Final answer:
The cookies described that store user data persistently on a computer's hard drive are known as persistent cookies. They are kept for a designated period of time to ease user access upon returning to the site.
Step-by-step explanation:
Cookies stored on a computer's hard drive that are used to collect and store information about user preferences, password and username behavior, IP address, and/or data on web surfing behavior are called persistent cookies. Unlike session cookies, which are deleted once you close your browser, persistent cookies remain on your device for a set period of time or until you manually delete them. This type of cookie helps websites remember your information and settings when you visit them in the future, providing you with faster and more convenient access. Tracking cookies are a subset of persistent cookies used specifically to monitor user behavior across multiple sites, but the term 'tracking' is not the answer to this specific question.