AllAboutCookies.org - FAQ Section

What is a Cookie File/Folder?

In netspeak terms, "cookies", a.k.a. "magic cookies", are small files that track your movements on a single web site. The actual Cookie itself is a small piece of information the web site you're visiting sends to your browser software, i.e. Netscape or Internet Explorer. When you revisit this site, your browser software returns the cookie information to that site.

This information is then used to mark where you've been, to store information on purchases you've made or are making online, or to automate the process of logging on to the site if the site is a membership-based site, among other uses.

Cookies are not capable of exchanging any other information from your computer than the cookie itself, so your data files are safe from exploitation. But it can be used to monitor your browsing habits, and some advertising and marketing firms are using cookies to track your movements on the web to gain advertising data.

This use is very controversial because some feel using Cookies in this way infringes on web user's privacy. If this concerns you, consult your browser help line to get more information on limiting the use of cookies on your computer.

Essentially this is the memory of your internet browser where you can find all your cookies stored in a format that facilitates easy retrieval by a browser.