What are small files that websites save on your computer to remember your preferences called?

Cookies are small files that websites store on a user's computer to remember various preferences and information related to the user’s visits. This could include login information, language preferences, and items saved in a shopping cart. Cookies enable a more personalized experience on the web, as they allow sites to retain information between browsing sessions.

Cache files, while also stored on a computer, are primarily used to store elements like images, scripts, and other web assets to speed up page loading times and enhance performance rather than user preferences. Session data is temporary and usually exists only during a browser session, meaning it does not persist after the browser is closed. Temporary files are created by applications for short-term use but aren't specifically related to storing user preferences on websites. Therefore, cookies are the most accurate description of the small files that websites save to remember user preferences.