If you have a broadband (very fast) connection, the time you save using a cache might be pretty small. The idea of a Web cache goes back to the days not so long ago when most of us used dial-up access to the Internet. At 56 Kbps (dial-up/modem speed) or slower, shaving off some time to get a few graphics files was significant. Dial-up is still around today, and in these cases it's still a factor, but to most of us, the time-saving benefits of a browser cache are negligible.
In this article, we'll show you how to clear your cache so your PC will run faster and safer, while showing you the latest versions of the pages you are viewing.
Cache contents can interfere with Web viewing
Consider the case where a page has been updated since you last loaded it. Sites that update frequently, such as news sites, usually but not always contain special code that forces the browser to check for updated pages. If the browser doesn't check first, the outdated version in the cache will load instead of the fresh content.
Cached material can also be a security risk
Many Web sites are designed to prevent any sensitive information you enter, such as banking data or passwords, from being stored in your cache. Unfortunately, you have no way of knowing if this is the case, which can leave your computer vulnerable to a hacker's attack. Usernames and other sensitive information are also often used in the contents of the address bar, which provides another route into the browser cache.
It's easy to manually clear your browser cache
If you want to clear the contents of your browser cache, all browsers offer a simple means to do it. Depending on the browser you are using, the basic instructions for the most common browsers are included in the following table.
Internet Explorer* 7 In the Tools menu, click Delete Browser History, Click the Delete All button
Internet Explorer 8 In the Tools menu, click Delete Browser History, Check the following boxes (Temporary Internet files, Cookies History) , Click the Delete button
Firefox* 2 and Firefox 3 In the Tools menu, click Clear Private Data, Select only the Cache checkbox, Click the Clear Private Data Now button
Safari* 4 If you do not see a menu bar at the top of , your browser, click on the gear icon at the top, and on the right hand side, click Show Menu Bar, Click on Edit from the menu bar, Click Empty Cache
For those who like things to happen with minimal effort, your browser can empty the cache automatically every time you exit.Or make it automatic.
Internet Explorer* 7 In the Tools menu, click Internet Options, Select the Advanced tab and check the Empty temporary Internet files folder when browser is closed box, Click OK to exit
Internet Explorer 8 In the Tools menu, click Internet Options, Under Browsing history in the middle of the pop-up box check Delete browsing history on exit, Click OK to exit
Firefox* 2 and Firefox 3 In the Tools menu, click Options, Select the Privacy tab and check the Always clear my private data when I close Firefox box, Click OK to exit
Safari* 4 If you do not see a menu bar at the top of your browser, click on the gear icon at the top and on the right hand side, click Show Menu Bar, Click on Edit from the menu bar, Click Private Browsing, Click OK to exit
Source : http://www.intel.com/learn/practical-advice/
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