What are cookies?

Cookies are usually a very, very small amount of information (a 200-300 character text file) that ends up being stored on the user's computer. That then tells the web site's servers:

"Yo! I've been here before! customize me properly!"

This information can only be stored if you provide it on a page and have your browser setting set to allow cookie storage.

What's are cookies made of?

These cookies unfortunately do not include oatmeal nor chocolate chips, but consist of:

• a cookie unique ID
• a name
• an expiration date

Are there different types of cookies?

There are two different types of cookies, specifically in terms of time until expiration, which are set by our web servers:

• "Session" Cookies will expire after you leave the website.
• "Permanent" Cookies are retained every time you visit the website (unless you remove the cookie).

These are NOT active programs and cannot "spy" on your computer.

These cookies can also be deleted/removed through your individual browser settings.

Examples of cookies

When you fill out a Salsa sign up page, come back to the page later, and your information is still there with a "Click to manage your information" link.
When I log on to the NYtimes.com website, it knows I'm already a member.
My email client remembers my login information.

Finally, my favorite way to explain cookies: It's like going to your favorite restaurant and having your waiter remember what your favorite dish is. Cookies provide a major convenience to your supporters, since their supporters won't have to fill out the exact same field over and over.