If you’ve used the internet for any length of time, chances are you’ve heard about cookies. But what are they, really? And how do you delete them? Journalist Lily Morgan is here to break it down for you.
Contents
What Are Cookies?
Cookies are small files that websites store on your computer. They contain information like your preferences, login details, and more. Cookies can be helpful for returning visitors as they can remember certain settings and preferences.
However, cookies can also be used for tracking purposes. Companies can use your cookies to track your browsing activity and serve you targeted ads. That’s why many people opt to delete their cookies regularly.
Types of Cookies
There are two main types of cookies: session cookies and persistent cookies. Session cookies are stored temporarily in your computer’s memory and are deleted when you close your browser. Persistent cookies, on the other hand, are stored on your computer’s hard drive and remain until they’re deleted or expire.
Session Cookies
Session cookies are used to keep track of your interactions with a website during a single session. They’re used to remember language preferences, shopping carts, and more. They’re also used to track your activity on a website, such as which pages you’ve visited.
Persistent Cookies
Persistent cookies are stored on your computer’s hard drive and remain until they’re deleted or expire. These cookies are used to remember you between visits. For example, they can be used to remember your login details or preferences. They can also be used for tracking purposes, such as serving you targeted ads.
Table of Data
| Type of Cookie | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Session Cookie | Remember language preferences, shopping carts, track page visits, and more. |
| Persistent Cookie | Remember login details, preferences, track activity, and serve targeted ads. |
How to Delete Cookies
If you don’t want websites to store cookies on your computer, you can delete them manually. Different browsers have different methods of doing this, so you’ll need to use the instructions for your particular browser.
You can also adjust your browser settings to automatically delete cookies after each session. This can be a good option if you don’t want to manually delete cookies every time you close your browser.
The Bottom Line
Cookies can be helpful for returning visitors, but they can also be used for tracking purposes. If you don’t want websites to store cookies on your computer, you can delete them manually or adjust your browser settings to automatically delete them after each session.
So, remember this ‘cookie’ rhyme: ‘If you don’t like being tracked, delete your cookies after each session and you’ll be right back on track!’
Happy browsing!
