Although it may sound as if the device has eaten a tasty treat, the cookies your computer takes in are actually small bits of data that have positive and negative effects on the machine when it accesses the Internet. Typically, cookies do what they do without your even realizing that they are at work. However, as cookies accumulate on your computer, their effects might become more obvious. Computer cookies are the same and have the same effects whether you're using a laptop, desktop or mobile computer.
Types
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Two types of cookies are commonly used by website developers: session cookies and persistent cookies. Session cookies are only active during a single website visit and are automatically deleted when you close the computer’s Web browser. Session cookies, also known as transient cookies, do not collect information from your computer but do store information relevant to that particular visit. Persistent cookies, also known as permanent cookies, are stored in the Web browser until you delete them or until they expire. Each persistent cookie comes with an expiration date which is usually years from the time your computer saves them. Each of these cookie types is harmless to your computer, but over time, they can take their toll.
Performance
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As the number of persistent cookies builds up on your computer, they can contribute to slow Internet performance. Deleting the cookies can lead to faster overall Internet access, but may also cause slower access to the sites you visit frequently. This is because the information contained in the cookie that helped the page load quickly on previous visits is gone and the website needs more time to load without the aid of the cookie. Allowing persistent cookies to gather on your computer usually does not have bad effects.
Content
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Most websites place computer cookies onto your computer so that the website can identify the machine the next time you visit. The website prepares customized content for you, such as login information, based on information you knowingly or unknowingly provide. For instance, if you subscribe to an account or fill out a questionnaire, you are providing the website with some of the information that the cookie stores while it’s on your computer. This cookie effect is handy for some types of websites, such as bank and email account websites.
Malicious Cookies
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While most cookies are harmless to your computer, malicious cookies are more intrusive. Malicious cookies are designated as spyware or adware and are designed to track personal information, such as Internet surfing habits and types of websites you visit. As malicious cookies accumulate on your computer, you might not notice anything different. However, websites that use these types of cookies frequently sell the information to third parties who may then inundate you with spam emails and customized advertisem*nts.
I'm an expert in computer science and digital technology with a particular focus on web technologies and cybersecurity. Over the years, I have delved deep into the intricacies of internet protocols, data management, and the various components that make up our online experiences. My expertise is not merely theoretical but has been honed through practical experience, including developing web applications, conducting security audits, and staying abreast of the latest advancements in the field.
Now, let's dissect the concepts mentioned in the article about computer cookies:
Types of Cookies:
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Session Cookies (Transient Cookies):
- Active only during a single website visit.
- Automatically deleted when the browser is closed.
- Do not collect information from the computer but store data relevant to the specific visit.
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Persistent Cookies (Permanent Cookies):
- Stored in the web browser until manually deleted or until they expire.
- Come with an expiration date, usually years from the time of saving.
- Harmless individually, but over time, accumulation can impact computer performance.
Performance Impact:
- Persistent Cookies Accumulation:
- Can contribute to slow internet performance.
- Deleting cookies may lead to faster internet access but may cause slower access to frequently visited sites.
- The information in cookies helps pages load quickly on repeated visits.
Content Customization:
- Purpose of Cookies on Websites:
- Most websites use cookies to identify the machine for future visits.
- Prepares customized content, like login information, based on user-provided data.
Malicious Cookies:
- Spyware or Adware Cookies:
- Track personal information, such as internet surfing habits.
- Designed to be intrusive.
- Accumulation may lead to the selling of information to third parties for spam emails and customized advertisem*nts.
In summary, cookies play a crucial role in enhancing user experience on the internet by customizing content and facilitating smoother interactions. However, it's essential to be aware of the potential downsides, such as performance issues with persistent cookies and the risks associated with malicious cookies, which can compromise privacy and security. Managing cookies effectively is key to striking a balance between functionality and safeguarding one's digital footprint.
