A cookie is a small text file that a web site loads onto a user’s browser in order to keep track of their activity on the site and to also remember their settings. These files have all the same information that the user’s address bar has, such as their name, address, computer type, the site’s preferences, and even things like how long they have been on the site. Basically these are small pieces of code that is transferred from the website to the user’s browser. This helps the webmaster or administrator know what kind of services and features the site is offering, and keeps track of user preferences as well. For advice on web matters and Web Design Swansea, visit Accent ADC
One of the most common uses for cookies is to allow a site to track how many people are visiting, which enables the administrator to make changes accordingly. Another common use for cookies is for advertising purposes, which enable a site owner to display ads on a user’s browser based on their history and interests. Users can also set their own cookie settings so that if they want to skip a page or click away from a site, they can.
In recent times there has been a movement amongst webmasters to start blocking all cookies from a website. There are two main concerns with this approach. The first is that it is likely that the majority of users do not want their browsing habits to be monitored, and that the blockers will simply cause confusion among the general internet population. Another major problem with these kinds of cookie blocking programs is that since the use of cookies has increased dramatically, many of them are of the “fake” variety which essentially try to trick use
How cookies are used in practice
Cookies are most often used to track browsing habits so a site can show relevant pages or, in some cases, relevant adverts. They have had a rough ride in the press, but a cookie is not a program at all, just a simple text file stored on the user’s device, and users can disable cookies if they wish.
A cookie can only hold as much personal information as the user chooses to give. If you fill in a form with your name, address and phone number, a reputable site will usually use the saved details to pre-fill that form next time, which saves time. Usernames and passwords can be remembered the same way. Otherwise, cookies track browsing activity, such as which links are clicked, how long is spent on a page and preferred layouts.
For marketers, cookies help show adverts to the right audience and count how often someone has seen an advert, revealing whether it works. Sites must now explain their cookie use on a first visit and let users agree or decline.