can servers learn my identity from cookies?

Answer 1

Cookies are designed primarily to let the contact that PLACED the cookie know about your use on THEIR site, (logins, preferences, etc.).

What they CAN do is show the site your "on-line" identity, tracking information, and just about anything they are set up for. (THIS speeds up your access to THEIR site by "telling" their server about your preferences.)

They CAN NOT give your REAL name unless you use it on line.

Answer 2

Below is a FAQ about cookies.

http://www.cookiecentral.com/faq/