What is cache?

A cache (pronounced CASH) is hardware or software that is used to store temporary data in a computing environment.  This is used to improve the performance of recently viewed websites, and helping you load them faster the next time you go visit that site.  Cache is frequently used by the computer, programs, and web browsers.  When you visit a website, the requested files are stored in your browser's cache.

 

Why does your computer need cache?

• Cache reduces lag, thus giving higher performance for a computer or program.
• Data can stay permanently in your computer, thus eating up the speed your computer will run.

 

Why should you clear your cache?

Clearing your cache forces your browser to retrieve the newest version of websites, something that should happen automatically but sometimes does not.

 

How do you clear cache?

There are some programs you can download that aim to clear cache and browsing history (as well as saved passwords if you aren't careful).  Though it's recommended that you manually remove cache yourself, sometimes using these programs can help attack multiple browsers at once.

 

Clear cache on Windows

For Google Chrome:

1. Click [...] in the top right of your Chrome window
2. Click on "More" and go to "Tools"
3. Click on "Clear Browsing Data"
4. Check only "Cached images and files" (uncheck everything else)
5. Click the "Clear browsing data" button

 

For Microsoft Edge:

1. Click [...] in the top right of your Microsoft Edge window
2. Scroll down and click on "Choose what to clear"
3. Check only "Cached data and files" (uncheck everything else)
4. Click the "Clear" button

 

For Internet Explorer:

1. Click the gear icon in the top right of your Internet Explorer window
2. Go to Safety Select "Delete Browsing History"
3. Check only "Temporary Internet files and website files" (uncheck everything else)
4. Click the "Delete" button

 

For Mozilla Firefox:

1. Click the Hamburger icon in the top right of your Firefox window
2. Select "History"
3. Select "Clear Recent History"
4. Click the "Time Range to clear" drop-down and select "Everything"
5. Check only "Cache" (uncheck everything else)
6. Click the "Clear Now" button

 

Clear cache on Macs

For Opera:

1. Click on Settings in the Main Menu
2. Click on Privacy & Security
3. Select "beginning of time" in the drop down

 

For Safari:

1. Click "Clear History" in the Main Menu
2. Select your desired timeframe (WARNING: This may delete more than browser history and cache!)
3. Click the "Clear History" button