When you visit some web sites, the web server sends a small piece of information, called a cookie, to your browser.
The next time you visit the site, the web server reads the cookie file it has placed on your browser so it can remember who you are. The information stored in a cookie file can be used for a number of things:
- to store the password and user ID you submitted for the site
- to remember the options you have selected at the site such as your choice of default entry page
- to track your movements at the site.
Many web sites use tracking information for marketing purposes. These sites build up a profile of where you go, and what advertisements you click on, so the next time you visit the site, you are shown products specifically targeted to your interests.
Some people feel using cookies for tracking purposes is an invasion of personal privacy. It is possible to disable cookies in your Internet browser. For more information on cookies and how to disable them on your web browser, visit Cookie Central.