How To: Clear Your Cache

Q: What is your cache?

A: Cache is a component that transparently stores data so that future requests for that data can be served faster.

In other words, your broswer cache consists of stored pieces of content from on a page (like images, links, and text) that the browser remembers from your last visit and loads without checking for updates. This makes the page load faster because it doesn't have to go out looking for the information.

If you're making changes to a page however, your browser cache can cause the page to look like it did before your updates, which can cause major confusion. Therefore, it's important to remember to clear your cache evertime you make changes to a page.

Included below are the steps you need to take to refresh your cache using:

• Firefox
• Safari
• Chrome
• Internet Explorer

Firefox

1. Go to the "Firefox" drop down in your application bar. Scroll down and click on "Preferences."
2. Within "Preferences" click on the "Advanced" tab, then click on "Network."
3. Within the "Network" screen you should see text about how much cache you're using, followed by a "Clear now" button. Click that button and you're done!

Safari

1. Go to the "Safari" drop down in your application bar. Scroll down and click on "Empty Cache."
2. A pop-up confirmation window will come up, click "Empty" to complete the process.

Chrome

1. Go to the "Chrome" dropdown in your application bar. Scroll down and click on "Clear Browsing Data."
   
2. Click the check box next to "Empty the cache" and click "Clear Browsing Data" to complete the task.

Internet Explorer

1. Go to the "Tools" dropdown in your application bar. Scroll down and click on "Internet Options."
2. Under the "Browsing History" heading click on "Delete."
3. The next screen will give you the option to delete many things, deleting the "Temporary Internet Files" will complete the task.