A cookie is a file created by a Web site to store information on your computer relevant to that Web site. A cookie can also be used to store personal information like your name, address, e-mail, or phone number. However, a cookie can only store information that you specifically give to it.

 

For example, a Web site you use to make a purchase has no idea what your mailing address is until you specifically provide it. A Web site has no other method of extracting information from your computer, and once a cookie is saved on your computer, only the Web site that put it there can use the information in the cookie.