Cache

The cache is where your browser saves the pages and graphics information for all the sites you have visited recently, so return visits can load the page quicker.

Caches will hold a limited number of files. When the limit is reached, your browser will automatically remove some older files. If you see messages about files being removed, it may be time to clear your cache. This will initially slow your browsing, but after a few sessions, speeds will improve. An empty cache or a full cache will both impede the best performance of your browser.

There are settings in the preferences and options menus to set the size of your cache, and to clear the cache.

To view the contents of the cache, you need to find it. Depending on your browser, this area is located in different folders on your hard drive. The easiest way to locate the cache is to use the Find, Files or Folders on the Start Menu and search for *.GIF or *.JPG (graphic files) on your computer.

The displayed list in the found window, will contain all the picture files on your computer; ones that came with software packages, and ones from the internet.

Look under the File Location heading.

If you are using MS Explorer, look for a Temporary Internet Files folder.

If you are using Netscape, look for ...Netscape/User/Cache or something similar.

All the files in these folders are graphics and pages that you have visited recently. You can view them off line in your default browser and graphics editor.