When you go online, your computer collects files from websites you visit

You might not be aware, but each time you browse the internet, your computer quietly gathers a collection of files. These files are stored on your computer and are associated with the websites you visit. Let me explain how this process works and why it’s important.

When you access a website, your computer receives a multitude of files that make up that particular web page. These files can be categorized into different types, such as HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and images. Each file plays a crucial role in presenting the content and design of the website to you.

HTML files are like the building blocks of a web page. They contain the structure and content of the page, including headings, paragraphs, images, and links. CSS files, on the other hand, are responsible for the appearance and layout of the web page. They define the colors, fonts, spacing, and other visual aspects.

JavaScript files add interactivity to the website. They enable features like drop-down menus, image slideshows, and form validations. Without JavaScript, websites would be static and lack the dynamic elements that make browsing exciting and engaging.

You’ll also find image files when you visit a website. These files are responsible for displaying pictures, logos, icons, and other graphical elements. Images enhance the visual appeal of a website and help convey information in a more engaging way.

So why does your computer store these files? Well, it’s all about efficiency and speed. When you revisit a website, instead of downloading all the files again, your computer can retrieve them from its local storage. This way, the website loads faster, allowing you to access the content more quickly.

However, it’s essential to keep these files in check. Over time, your computer can accumulate a significant amount of stored files, known as cache. Clearing your cache periodically can free up storage space and ensure you’re viewing the most up-to-date versions of websites.

In conclusion, when you visit a website, your computer collects and stores various files associated with that site. These files include HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and images, which work together to create the web page you see. Understanding this process can help you navigate the online world with a better grasp of how websites function and how to optimize your browsing experience.

The internet is a huge part of our lives, giving us access to almost all the information in the world with just a few taps on our devices. But have you ever wondered how it actually works? It’s pretty complicated, to be honest. You probably know that when you visit a website, cookies are stored on your computer. But there’s more to it than just cookies.

These files that are stored on your computer are called “temporary internet files”, and they are saved when you visit a website. Where they are saved depends on your operating system and internet browser. Generally, they are stored in the system folder of your browser. For example, if you use Google Chrome on a Windows computer, they will be in “AppDataLocalGoogleChromeUser DataDefaultCache”.

We wanted to dig deeper into the types of files that are stored on your computer when you visit a website. And you might be surprised to learn that it’s not just cookies that are to blame.

DNS Files

The first type of files that are stored on your computer are DNS files, which stand for Domain Name System. When you type a website address into your browser’s address bar, that address doesn’t directly take you to the website. Instead, it corresponds to an IP address, which then directs your browser to the website.

Interestingly, when a browser looks up a domain name, it can get multiple IP addresses in return. For example, if you look up Facebook.com, four IP addresses are returned.

When you browse the internet, your browser remembers the IP addresses of websites you visit. It stores this information in your browser’s memory for a certain period of time, usually up to thirty minutes. Additionally, your computer’s operating system may also have its own separate memory for storing this data, depending on the website host.

But it’s not just web page addresses that are stored in your computer’s memory. It also stores other files associated with that web page, such as pictures and videos.

Web page files

Once you open a web page, your browser’s cache keeps a collection of various files including HTML, CSS, JavaScript, images, and videos. These files pile up quickly, but they also help speed up load times when you revisit the same website.

When you go back to a web page, the browser checks which files it has already downloaded and only downloads the ones that are new or have changed. This reduces the amount of data your computer needs to display the web page, which is a good thing.

Fortunately, browsers have a limit to how many files they can download. When the limit is reached, older files are deleted to make room for new ones.

Cookies

Cookies are another aspect of web browsing. When you create an account on a website, the information you enter, like your name and email address, is packaged into a cookie and stored in your web browser. This way, when you visit the same website again, you don’t have to re-enter your information.

There are two main types of cookies. Session cookies are temporary and erased as soon as you close your web browser. They only exist in your computer’s memory and don’t collect any information. Persistent cookies, on the other hand, stay on your computer’s hard drive until they expire or you delete them. These are the cookies that are often used to track your web browsing behavior and preferences for advertising purposes.

Cookies contain various information such as their name, expiration date, the URL and domain they are valid for, and if they require a secure connection.

Closing

As you can see, there are many files stored on your computer when you browse the internet. What does this mean for you? Well, if your computer is working fine and you have no issues with cookies being stored, then it’s not a big concern. However, there may be times when you want to clear out these files and cookies.