A cache is a high-speed memory that a personal computer processor uses to store frequently requested information for a certain amount of time. It qualitatively increases productivity, since it “indicates” to the processor where exactly to search for the necessary information and how to get data in the fastest way.
Principle of operation
Cache memory directly affects the speed of various operations, since it saves the necessary data in advance. The principle of its operation can be characterized with a simple example. To optimize their work, any person tries to arrange things on his desktop in a certain logical order. Most likely, pens, a phone, necessary directories, current documentation, etc. will be nearby. It is unlikely that every time someone hides the documents he needs under the annual report five years ago, since it takes time and effort. It is by this principle that cache memory works. What does this mean at the computer level? Actually a similar process. All information is contained in a PC in a specific hierarchy. If some information is required more often than others, then they, respectively, are closer.
Levels
The first instance, which is engaged in the delivery of information to the processor of a personal computer, is RAM. Nevertheless, although it is several times faster than a disk, it does not always keep pace with the specific needs of this chip. That is why the data that is used more often than others is transferred to the second level cache. What it is? In this case, the memory is located on a separate chip with ultra-high speed, which is located next to the processor, and in new computers it is generally integrated into the chip itself.
The information used most often, for example, the same commands, is moved to a special processor cell and is the first level cache memory. This is the fastest memory in a personal computer.
Sequencing
As soon as the processor needs to complete a specific task, it first of all analyzes its data in the register. If there is no information there, it refers to the cache of the first level, then to the cache of the second level. If no information is found there, the processor accesses the RAM. In the final version, if the necessary data was not found anywhere, the chip reads information from the hard drive. Accordingly, the sooner the processor finds the necessary data, the faster it will complete the task assigned to it.
Main characteristics
Caching technology has the following unique features:
- Cache is a relatively small relatively fast memory type . It works in conjunction with a larger, but less fast memory.
- When searching for the necessary information, the processor checks for the availability of the data it needs. If they are found, then we are talking about a “hit”, and if not, about a “miss”. The number of misses and hits determines the speed of the processor in relation to the task assigned to it.
- The size of the cache memory is much smaller than the RAM or the capabilities that the hard disk of a personal computer possesses.
Using the cache in the browser
While the user is working on the Internet, the browser loads web pages, various pictures, scripts, sounds and a lot of other information that may come in handy later. This data is known as temporary files, or browser cache files. This is a fairly complex process, which, in addition to all of the above, includes many other materials:
- Cookies
- Information that the user provided in the address bar.
- A log of visited web pages.
- Various data that have been entered on sites and portals.
- Download Information.
- Passwords and logins on various online resources.
- Site settings and more.
The whole 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 a password on frequently visited sites or when entering email.
However, the materials that the personal computer stores using the cache are data that may become available to third-party web users. This, in turn, makes it possible to track the user's personal information. In addition, various advertising banners, virus-infected scripts, etc. can also be stored in the cache. In this case, you will need to clear the cache memory using the 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 a personal computer. In addition, in order to receive up-to-date information, you still need to reload 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 clearing temporary Internet files . During the procedure, however, one should not forget that passwords and logins will also be deleted, so first you need to make sure that they are all saved and recorded.
Mozilla firefox
In order to clear the cache in this browser, you must perform the following steps:
- Open a blank tab.
- Close all pages, leaving only an open empty tab.
- Next, select the “Tools” option in the menu, then “Settings” and find the “Advanced” tab in the window that appears.
- 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 install the cache in the browser below 50 MB, you need to think carefully, since many sites will not work normally after that.
Internet explorer
To delete temporary files in this browser, do the following:
- In the browser, select: "Service" - "Internet Options" - "Delete".
- After that, it is necessary to mark all the necessary items and confirm your actions.
Opera
In this browser, the latest version is extremely simple. You just 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 indicated by the wrench icon , then select the "Advanced" tab and click on the "Delete browsing data" button.
In addition, the cache in browsers can be deleted using special cleaner programs. In addition to temporary Internet files, these programs also clean the registry, which positively affects the operation of the operating system and frees up additional space on your hard drive.
The cache is a high-speed memory, which allows you to quickly access the processor to the necessary information, thereby qualitatively increasing the performance of a personal computer. The cache is also used by browsers and requires a simple cleaning procedure.