A cookie is a small text file that downloads on a user’s computer upon visiting a web page. It usually includes:
– the name of the server from which the cookie was sent
– the cookie’s lifetime/duration
– the value – usually a randomly generated unique number
The cookie itself does not contain nor gather any information. However, if it is read by the server together with the web browser, then it can be of help to the web site when performing user friendly services – as of an example when remembering previous purchases or data about the user’s account. Only the server that sent the cookie can read and use it.
Cookie types
Temporary or session cookies
They »live« from the moment the user opens the browser to the moment he concludes the session and closes the browser. Web sites use them for storing temporary information, as an example the elements in the shopping cart, for a greater security during online banking, etc. Because such cookies are stored for only a small amount of time, their invasiveness on the user’s privacy is smaller.
Permanent or persistent cookies
They remain stored even when the user closes the browser and concludes a session. Web sites use them for storing information about registrations, the site’s language settings, etc., and also for building the user’s profiles and analyzing the traffic. Persistent cookies can remain in a computer for several days, months or even years.
1st party cookies
They are from the web site the user is currently viewing and they can be permanent or temporary. Web sites use them for storing information that they are going to use again the next time the user visits that site.
3rd party cookies
They originate from other, partner web sites that, as an example, show advertisements on the original web page or they measure the traffic. In this manner 3rd party sites can gather data about users from different web sites and use them for different purposes – for advertising, analysis or enhancement of their own products.
Which types of cookies we use
We use 3rd party cookies Google Analytics exclusively for enhancing the user’s experience and to improve the web site. Those who do not want being followed by Google analytics, can install the following add to their browser.
In the chart below there is stated which cookies are used by our web page and for what purpose.
|
Name of the cookie |
Duration (lifetime) |
Description |
| _utma | 2 years from the installation/update | Records the differences between users and sessions. |
| _utmb | 30 min from the installation/update | Records a new session or user. |
| _utmc | Until the termination of the session | Shared with the _utmb, it records new sessions or new users. It remains from the time when Google was using urchin.js for tracking. |
| _utmz | 6 months from the installation/update | States the traffic source or an advertisement action. |
| cookie_compliance | 1 year | States if the user wants to receive cookies from our web page. Upon the next visit the message about the cookies does not appear again. |
| wordpress_polylang | 1 year | States the language used by the web page. |
Date of the last update: 20th May 2013.
