General Frequently Asked Questions

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Q: What is cache and how do I clear it?

A: memory cache
n : (computer science) RAM memory that is set aside as a specialized buffer storage that is continually updated; used to optimize data transfers between system elements with different characteristics

Cache is a computer's way of taking a picture of a webpage so that if you go back to the same page later, your computer will say "Hey, I've already got a picture of that page. Here it is!". All of this is done without actually going out to the real webpage and checking to see if it has changed. Without clearing your cache, your browser will keep showing you the same picture of the "old" page over and over.

Below are steps for clearing your cache on some of the most common browsers. Steps may vary slightly between browser versions:

Internet Explorer on a PC:
1. Click the TOOLS menu and then click on INTERNET OPTIONS
2. Click on the GENERAL tab at the top
3. Click on the DELETE FILES button in the middle of the box
4. You can check your preferences for cache by clicking on the SETTINGS button next to the DELETE FILES button

Internet Explorer on a Mac:
1. Click the EXPLORER menu and then click on PREFERENCES
2. Click on the ADVANCED section at the left
3. Click on the EMPTY NOW button in the middle "Cache" section

Firefox on a PC:
1. Click the TOOLS menu and then click on OPTIONS
2. Click on the PRIVACY section at the left
3. Click on the CLEAR button in the "Cache" section at the bottom

Firefox on a Mac:
1. Click the FIREFOX menu and then click on PREFERENCES
2. Click on the PRIVACY section at the left
3. Click on the CLEAR button in the "Cache" section at the bottom

Netscape 7.1 on a Mac:
1. Click the NETSCAPE menu and then click on PREFERENCES
2. Expand the ADVANCED section at the left
3. Click on CACHE
4. Click on the CLEAR CACHE button on the right