| How Cookies Work |
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Cookies store information in a name-value format. Essentially, for a certain field name, say "address" there will be a single string associated with this name. Cookies cannot discriminate between different users using the same machine unless they reenter the identifying input values that are stored in a cookie file. Especially if the cookie information has been synchronized with or purchased from another web server, the information associated with the user of a public computer can oftentimes be incorrect.
Cookies also may record session time so that web companies can know how long a user spends on their site. Cookies can also collect information about where users spend their time within the domain. For example, a company selling cameras can know which models you viewed, and which one you dwelled on purchasing if you lingered on that particular page. This allows companies to contour advertisements, suggest purchases, and even send you emails about special offers that might appeal to you. |