Final answer:
Cookies are data files stored on your computer by websites to retain user information like preferences and login status. While they are associated with advertising due to tracking capabilities, they are not exclusively used for this purpose and can enhance user experience. However, cookies can also raise privacy concerns.
Step-by-step explanation:
“Cookies” are indeed data files stored on your computer by websites that you visit. They are designed to hold a modest amount of data specific to a particular client and website and can be accessed either by the web server or the client’s computer.
This enables the server to deliver a page tailored to a particular user, or the page itself can contain some script which is aware of the data in the cookie and so is able to carry information from one visit to the website (or related site) to the next.
Cookies serve a variety of functions such as keeping users logged in, remembering preferences, and providing personalized content. While they are often associated with advertising, as they can be used to track browsing habits, cookies are not exclusively used for this purpose.
They can also improve the user experience by maintaining session information for users as they navigate a site, among other functionalities. It’s important to note that, while cookies are generally harmless pieces of text, they can raise privacy concerns if they are used to collect and analyze user data without explicit consent.
As for system security, cookies in themselves do not pose a security risk, but they can potentially be exploited if security vulnerabilities are present.