A first-party cookie
either originates on or is sent to the Website you are currently viewing.
These cookies are commonly used to store information, such as your preferences
when visiting that site.

A third-party cookie (aff.)
either originates on or is sent to a Website different from the one you
are
currently viewing. Third-party Websites usually provide some content on
the Website
you are viewing. For example, many sites use advertising from third-party
Web sites and
those third-party Websites may use cookies. A common use for this type
of cookie
is to track your Web page use for advertising or other marketing purposes.

Persistent cookies
A persistent cookie is one stored as a file on your computer, and it
remains there
when you close Internet Explorer.
The Website that created it when you visit that site again can read the
cookie.The cookie can be read by the Website that created it when you visit
that site again.
(always keep in mind, you can set IE to delete cookies after
you close the window or you can manually delete cookies).

*A cookie is a file created by an Internet site to store information
on your computer, such
as your preferences when visiting that site to help the site customize the
view for you
the next time you visit.

Cookies also can be used to store personal information.

*Personal information is information that can be used to identify or contact
you,
such as your name, e-mail address, home/work address, or telephone number.
However,
a Website only has access to the personal information that you provide.

For example, a Website cannot determine your e-mail name unless you provide
it.
Also, a Website  cannot gain access to other information on your computer.
Once a cookie is saved on your computer, only the Website that created the
cookie can read it.