Cookies are small text files that websites place on a user’s computer or device when they visit a site.
These files store information such as login credentials, user preferences, and tracking data.
The primary purpose of cookies is to identify users, remember their preferences, and enable a personalized browsing experience.
For example:
- When you log in to a website, cookies can remember your session so that you don’t have to log in again every time you visit the page.
- Cookies also store data about your activities, such as pages visited and items viewed, which helps websites provide tailored content and advertisements.
- Some cookies track user behavior across multiple websites for targeted advertising.
In contrast:
- Plug-ins are additional software components that add features to an existing program (e.g., a Flash player).
- Add-ons are small software modules that add extra functionality to browsers, like ad-blockers or toolbars.
- Bookmarks are saved links to websites that users store in their browser for quick access later — they don’t track activity.
Thus, the correct answer for files that store temporary browsing data to personalize online experience is Cookies.