cookie\n\nA small amount of data that is part of a response. It is sent back to the requesting party by the receiver of the request and provides information useful to that transaction which may be required later; for example, an identification number. Cookies are often not processed by the requesting machine, but remain there until required by the original receiver or some other party. Also called a "magic cookie."\n\nA small data file created by a Web server that is stored on your computer either temporarily for that session only or permanently on the hard disk (persistent cookie). Cookies provide a way for the Web site to identify users and keep track of their preferences.\n\nCookies Are Beneficial\n\nCookies are commonly used to "maintain the state" of the session as a user browses around on the site (see state). For example, if you filled out a form and decided to leave that for a moment to view another page, when you come back to that form, the data would still be there. Without cookies, the site would not know who you were.