Web Bugs

Apr. 2003 to
Apr. 2009

Web Bugs

When you browse a page on the web, your browser requests the information it needs to display that page.

One of the things it requests is the graphics for the page.

People who want to track your movements across the web figured out how to use graphics to get your browser to tell them who you are and what you are doing.

These graphics are called "web bugs".

What is a Web Bug?

According to Richard M. Smith's Web Bug FAQ at the electronic Frontier Foundation,

"A Web Bug is a graphic on a Web Page or in an email message that is designed to monitor who is reading the Web Page or email message. Web Bugs are often invisible because they are typically only 1-by-1 pixel in size."

How can I find out more?

Well, I could have written an article. But I found Richard M. Smith's excellent FAQ. Instead of trying to figure out new ways to say what he already said so well, I'll just refer you to his FAQ.

Across the Net

The Web Bug FAQ: Richard M. Smith's excellent Web Bug FAQ hosted at the electronic Frontier Foundation. Do not be put off by the "old" date (11.Nov.1999). It is still accurate, and, in my opinion, still the best FAQ on this topic. ««»»

The extra text menu links (previously here) are being removed in the site redesign.
Browser and search engine improvements have eliminated the motivation/necessity for them.

This page created:
before
Fri, 25.Oct.2002

Last updated:
17:56, Fri, 18.May.2012

NOTICE --- SITE UNDERGOING EXTENSIVE REWRITE - >> NOTE THAT THIS PAGE IS NOT YET MODIFIED <<

The new pages will be slightly wider and the new main menu is wider as well. The bottom of the page menu (see the box immediately above) is being eliminated. Failing links are being identified/removed and the HTML is being corrected/revised to better use CSS Structures and to use fewer old HTML structures. During the transition, some old pages show formatting errors in the HTML, and the page may be "not quite right".

I appreciate your patience while this effort proceeds. Completion was originally estimated for Dec.2011. However the lengthy illness and "recent" death of my mother (20.Jul.2011) coupled with the effects of my strokes and my personal focus on finding employment, has caused me to reestimate completion for Dec.2012, gods willing and the creeks don't rise.

Please email me me about any errors you detect or questions/suggestions you may have.

■ Check out my ezine Snippets and blog My Ephemerae.
■ Yes ... I want you to link to my site. Please link to me.
■ Want to email me? I'd love to hear from you.
■ I have begun tutoring in the Clear Lake, Texas area.

Original content licensed under a Creative Commons License.
Web hosting provided by BlueHost.com.
Content management & SEO by The Eclectic Power Company.
Concerned about privacy? Read my Privacy Statement.
Trouble sleeping? Try the legal page.Honey, Honey, I've Got Honey!Here is my eMT Page.