It is a small file that a Web server automatically sends to your PC when you browse certain Web sites. Cookies are stored as text files on your hard drive so servers can access them when you return to Web sites you've visited before. Cookies contain information that identifies each user, for example: login or username, passwords, shopping cart information, preferences, and so on. When a user revisits a Web site, his or her computer automatically "serves up" the cookie, which establishes the user's identity, thus eliminating the need for the customer to reenter the information. Basically, the server needs to know this information in order for the Web site to work correctly, and the information is nothing more than a string of letters and numbers.

Cookies are commonly "handed out" when you, as a user, login to a Web site where you've registered a username and password. The server finds the cookie information on your computer, checks with its own information, and if they match, retrieves your file. For example, when you purchase airline tickets online, cookies ensure that you do not have to reenter multiple frequent flyer numbers each time you revisit a particular service provider

Depending on the type of Cookie used, and the Browser's settings, the Browser may accept or not accept the Cookie, and may save the Cookie for either a short time or a long time.

Cookies are usually set to expire after a predetermined amount of time and are usually saved in memory until the Browser software is closed down, at which time they may be saved to disk if their 'expire time' has not been reached.

There is an ongoing debate about privacy, and many people feel offended by the notion that they are viewed as "SKU numbers" (or bar codes). While this viewpoint may seem extreme, in some cases, it is justified. We are in favor of cookies and the ease this technology brings, but like all good things, they should be used in moderation. This means that you, as the user, should find the Web portals and online services that suit your needs and only sign up with a select few.

If you see a message pop-up on your Web browser, asking if you want to "enable or disable" cookies, go ahead and enable them. Try it out. If you ever want to disable them, you can. Some Web sites announce their use of cookies, using wording such as, "This Web site uses cookies to make customization possible." That's fine, too. Just make sure you have a recent version of one of these browsers: Netscape Navigator 3.0, or higher, or Internet Explorer 3.0, and above. If you're still using a "dinosaur browser" (outdated and clunky), you may not be able to customize a portal page or go shopping online.