browser cache

[michael c]

here's a question for computer dummies like me.the site frequently suggests "clearing one's browser cache" as it does with the halloween graphics.what does that mean?i know this will sound dumb but i have no idea.

[Mysterious Benefactor]

It doesn't sound dumb at all - especially if it's something you've never done before. 

The procedures are as follows:

For Internet Explorer:
Click "Tools" to open the menu
Click "Internet Options"
Under "Temporary Internet files", click "delete files"
Check "delete all offline content", click "ok"
Close it and you're done!

For Netscape and Mozilla:
Open menu under "Edit"
Click "Preferences"
Double click "Advanced" to show more listings
Click "Cache"
Click "Clear Cache", then "OK".

[michael c]

thanks mysterious,i'll give it a shot.what are the benefits of doing this?

[Mysterious Benefactor]

what are the benefits of doing this?

Well, the small issue is just so that you can see the new graphics as I continue to add them to the forum for Halloween. But the bigger picture is that unless you clear your browser's cache every now and then, your computer system will begin to slow down. Every time you visit a Web site many files from that site are stored in your browser's cache, and over time it can contain hundreds if not thousands of mostly useless files that your browser will never need to access again. Those files are not only clogging your cache, they're needlessly taking up space on your computer's hard drive, so getting rid of them really helps both your browser and your computer work more efficiently.

[michael c]

thanks mysterious!i just cleared the cache and now i'm seeing all these cool halloween graphics!i saw the orange background before but not these cute/scary skeletons.