Tech-Ease: Internet Questions and Answers

Quick answers to real classroom technology questions. An online service of the Educational Technology Clearinghouse.

ETC HOME
TECH-EASE HOME INTERNET FAQ SEARCH

How do I empty my browser's cache?

Your web browser creates a folder on the hard drive where it saves (or "caches") certain items that have been downloaded for future access. The browser often downloads images to this folder as you visit different websites. If you visit the same site more than once, the browser will check in this folder first to see if it already has downloaded the images it needs to display the page. If the images are already in the cache, then the web page will display more quickly because the web browser does not have to download the whole page.
Sometimes the cache can get quite large, which can slow down your browser's performance. One way to speed up your browser in this situation is by emptying your cache. Clearing your cache can also be helpful if you are on a public access computer and want to make sure other people don't have access to personal information you have entered while visiting a website.
To clear your cache in Safari, choose Safari, Empty Cache from the menu bar.

If you are using the Mac version of Firefox, you can empty your cache by choosing Firefox, Preferences, Privacy, then under Cache click on the Clear button.
Clear Cache

Additional Websites

The Internet: Ideas, Activities, and Resources

Internet 101
net.Tutor

A Teacher's Guide to School Websites

Making the Connection

Technology at Harvard Law: RSS 2.0 Specification

Podcasting and iTunes

The WebQuest Page

ETC HOME
TECH-EASE HOME INTERNET FAQ SEARCH

Site Map | Submit a Question | About Tech-Ease | Privacy Policy | ETC Home
Tech-Ease for Mac is your source for just-in-time answers for classroom technology questions. A companion Tech-Ease for Windows site is also available. This collection is a part of the Educational Technology Clearinghouse and is funded in part by a grant from the Florida Department of Education. Copyright 2008 by the Florida Center for Instructional Technology, College of Education, University of South Florida.

			Quick answers to real classroom technology questions. An online service of the Educational Technology Clearinghouse.
ETC HOME	TECH-EASE HOME	INTERNET FAQ	SEARCH
How do I empty my browser's cache? Your web browser creates a folder on the hard drive where it saves (or "caches") certain items that have been downloaded for future access. The browser often downloads images to this folder as you visit different websites. If you visit the same site more than once, the browser will check in this folder first to see if it already has downloaded the images it needs to display the page. If the images are already in the cache, then the web page will display more quickly because the web browser does not have to download the whole page. Sometimes the cache can get quite large, which can slow down your browser's performance. One way to speed up your browser in this situation is by emptying your cache. Clearing your cache can also be helpful if you are on a public access computer and want to make sure other people don't have access to personal information you have entered while visiting a website. To clear your cache in Safari, choose Safari, Empty Cache from the menu bar. If you are using the Mac version of Firefox, you can empty your cache by choosing Firefox, Preferences, Privacy, then under Cache click on the Clear button.			Additional Websites The Internet: Ideas, Activities, and Resources Internet 101 net.Tutor A Teacher's Guide to School Websites Making the Connection Technology at Harvard Law: RSS 2.0 Specification Podcasting and iTunes The WebQuest Page
ETC HOME	TECH-EASE HOME	INTERNET FAQ	SEARCH
Site Map \| Submit a Question \| About Tech-Ease \| Privacy Policy \| ETC Home Tech-Ease for Mac is your source for just-in-time answers for classroom technology questions. A companion Tech-Ease for Windows site is also available. This collection is a part of the Educational Technology Clearinghouse and is funded in part by a grant from the Florida Department of Education. Copyright 2008 by the Florida Center for Instructional Technology, College of Education, University of South Florida.