Memory cache is what? What is the browser cache?

A cache is a high-speed memory that a PC processor uses to store frequently requested information for a certain time. It qualitatively increases performance, because it "points" to the processor, where exactly to search for the necessary information and how to get the data in the fastest way.

Principle of operation

The cache memory directly affects the speed of various operations, since it stores the required data in advance. The principle of its operation can be characterized by a simple example. Anyone tries to place things on their desktop in a certain logical order to optimize their work. Most likely, next will be handles, phone, necessary directories, current documentation, etc. Hardly anyone hides the documents necessary to him every year under the annual report of five years ago, as it takes time and effort. It is on this principle that the cache memory works. What does this mean at the computer level? Actually a similar process. All information is contained in the PC in a specific hierarchy. If some information is required more often than others, they, accordingly, are located closer.

Levels

The first instance, which deals with the delivery of information to the processor of a personal computer, is RAM. Nevertheless, although it is many times faster than a disk, it does not always keep up with the specific needs of this chip. That's why data that is used more often than others, translates the cache to the second level. What it is? In this case, the memory is located on a separate chip with ultra-high speed, which is placed next to the processor, and in new computers and integrated into the chip itself.

Information used most often, for example, the same commands, is moved to a special cell of the processor and is the first level cache memory. This is the fastest memory in a personal computer.

Sequencing

As soon as the processor needs to perform a certain task, it first analyzes its data in the register. If there is no information there, it refers to the first level cache, then to the second level cache. If the information is not found there, the processor accesses the RAM. In the final version, if the necessary data were not found anywhere, the chip reads the information from the hard disk. Accordingly, the sooner the processor finds the necessary data, the faster it will perform the task assigned to it.

Main characteristics

Caching technology has the following characteristics:

• A cache is a fast type of memory of a relatively small size. It works in conjunction with a larger, but less fast memory.
• When searching for the necessary information, the processor checks the availability of the data it needs. If they are found, then it is about "hit", and if not - about "miss." The number of misses and hits and determines the speed of the processor in relation to the task assigned to it.
• The size of the memory cache is much smaller than the RAM or the capabilities that the hard disk of a personal computer has.

Using the cache in the browser

While the user is browsing the Internet, the browser downloads web pages, various images, scripts, sounds and lots of other information that may come in handy later. These data are known as temporary files, or the browser cache files. This is a fairly complex process, which, in addition to all of the above, includes many other materials:

• Cookies.
• The information that the user specified in the address bar.
• The log of the visited web pages.
• Various data that have been made on sites and portals.
• Information about the downloads.
• Passwords and logins on various online resources.
• Site settings and much more.

All this procedure, on the one hand, is very useful, because it saves time in the process of downloading certain pages of the World Wide Web, and also does not require entering a password on frequently visited sites or when entering e-mail.

However, the materials that store a personal computer with a cache are data that can be made available to third-party Web users. This, in turn, makes it possible to track the user's personal information. In addition, the cache can also store various advertising banners, virus-infected scripts, etc. In this case, you will need to clear the cache memory with built-in browser tools.

Why clear the browser cache?

As mentioned above, the cache is an extremely useful device that allows you to quickly access your favorite sites. However, the materials collected by the browser take up a lot of space and over time, especially if a person spends a lot of time on the World Wide Web, can lead to a decrease in the speed of the work of the personal computer. In addition, in order to get the latest information, you still need to restart the page, so the cache is not so important here.

The personal data of the user deserve special attention. Anyone who has access to the contents of the cache browser can easily see which sites have been visited, as well as learn passwords from mail, online payment systems and much more. You can protect yourself by regularly cleaning up temporary Internet files . In the procedure, however, do not forget that passwords and logins will also be deleted, so first you need to make sure that they are all saved and written.

Mozilla Firefox

In order to clear the cache in this browser, you must perform the following actions:

• Open an empty tab.
• Close all pages, leaving only the open tab.
• Then select the "Tools" option in the menu, then "Settings" and in the window that appears, find the "Advanced" tab.
• After that, select the "Network" tab, and then click on the "Clear Now" button.

You should also pay attention to the fact that before you set the cache in the browser below 50 MB, you need to think carefully, since many sites after that will not work properly.

Internet Explorer

To delete temporary files in this browser, you must perform the following actions:

• In the browser, select "Tools" - "Internet Options" - "Delete".
• After that, it is necessary to note all the necessary items and confirm your actions.

Opera

In this browser the latest version is extremely simple. You only need to select "Menu" - "Settings" - "Delete personal data."

Google Chrome

The cache in "Chrome" is also deleted without any problems. First you need to go to the settings, which are indicated by a wrench icon , then select the "Advanced" tab and click on the "Delete data about scanned pages" button.

In addition, the cache in browsers can be removed using special cleaners. In addition to temporary Internet files, the program data also cleans the registry, which positively affects the operation of the operating system and frees up additional space on the hard disk.

The cache is a high-speed memory that allows you to quickly access the processor for the necessary information, due to which qualitatively increases the performance of the personal computer. The cache is also used by browsers and requires a simple cleaning procedure.