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Web site visitor tracking is in the news a lot these days, for better or for worse. While many people are upset to find out that their movements across the Web are frequently being tracked, the fact is that such tracking is necessary in some respects. When you go to the mall and enter a store, a security camera may be watching your every move. Often, a knowledgeable "shopping helper" (or "parasite," depending on your mood) will approach you and ask if you need help finding anything. Even if you decline the offer, chances are that the employee will be watching you throughout your time in the store. The Internet is like that, too. Why is web site tracking good in some ways? Well, little tracking files called cookies can be placed on your computer to contain information that helps a website tailor its products, services or information to your characteristics. This may range from a simple personalized welcome to a detailed history of all your activities on the site. If you've ever shopped on a site with a little "shopping cart," you need a cookie in order for the cart to remember what you have put inside it. Of course, visitor tracking may be bad - there are some sites that take your personal information and use it to bombard you with unwanted mail or email. Worse yet, there are a few malicious sites that try to download malware - bad software - onto your computer. The malware may be in the form of adware (putting advertisements in your face), spyware (watching your every move) or even ransomware (hijacking your computer and erfusing to let go until you've paid a fee to the sender). However, keeping your Web browser up to date and having good security programs in place will keep most bad tracking sites from tracking you. If web tracking really bothers you, you can protect your privacy by disabling cookies via your Web browser's options.
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Web Site Visitor Tracking
