Temporary Internet Files – Truth and Consequences

Much has been written about temporary internet files. To my amazement, there seems to be a lot of misunderstanding about how these files are put on your computer and the effect they have on your computing experience. Some articles propose these files slow your computer to a crawl, others indicate they are memory hogs. While some suggest that these files only affect the MS Internet Explorer browser.

One thing that most authors get right is the purpose of temporary internet files. Allow me to give another explanation just to be clear.

Temporary internet files are a collection of web page copies stored on your computer’s hard disk or in its random-access memory. Pages you view are normally stored in a special cache folder for quicker viewing the next time you visit the same page. The bowser compares the cached copy to the original. If there have been no changes, the browser uses the cached copy rather than re-fetching the original, saving processing and download time.

Slowing your computer down?

The size of your file cache will cause your Computer To Slow down ONLY if the cache size is very, very large and fragmented. By nature cached files are relatively small and are only used when loading internet pages and do not remain in memory indefinitely. By adjusting your browser cache size to 5Mb or less you can avoid any slow down caused by the browser searching the hard drive for cached files. My personal browser cache is much larger, 50Mb, and I have no problems even on a dial-up internet connection. Internet slow down is almost always caused by network traffic.

Slow Hard Drive:

If your Computer Is Running Slow, there is a good chance it is not due to your temporary internet files. Slow hard drive access is usually due to fragmented files on your hard drive or the hard drive is getting close to being full. Windows needs at least 15% free hard disk space to operate correctly. That is 15% free space total, including your Windows Swap File

Websites, security and temporary internet files:

Websites do not put temporary internet files on your computer. The internet browser does file caching automatically. Do not confuse temporary internet files with ‘cookies’. Website cookies are also cached, but they are cached separately from temporary files. Also any personal information such as saved passwords and form auto fill information is kept in still another more secure place.

Internet Browsers:

Is Internet Explorer just being a bad boy? Well…no. If IE is a bad boy, it is only because IE is a poor example of an Internet Browser. All internet browsers cache temporary internet files. Presently I have FireFox 1.5.0.4, Netscape 7.2., Netscape 8.0 and IE 6.0xxx installed and all of these browsers manage temporary internet file caching the same way.

It is a good idea to adjust the cache file size and clear the cache occasionally to get rid of unused and possibly corrupt files. Caching of all file types by your browser can be managed from the browser’s options menu. I hope you now have a better understanding of temporary internet files. Temporary internet files, passwords and auto fill data can be deleted manually, but that is another article. Surf on.

About the Author

Lyle Cochran is a PC technician with over 10 years experience and webmaster of Cheap Computer Solutions, where you can learn the secret to finding cheap computer hardware parts and retailers online. The number one site for cheap computer how-to shopping guides. Download your free Cheap Computer Parts Organizer now.
Copyright © Lyle Cochran, bytepowered.org 1997-2006

Internet Browsing Slow? Speed up by Changing your DNS

Crock-Pot SCV553KM 5-1/2-Quart Oval Manual Slow Cooker with Dipper, White $19.99 5.5 QT, Slow Cooker With Bonus Little Dipper Which Is Perfect For Dips & Sauces, Oval Removable Stoneware, Rinse-clean Coating, Tempered Glass Lid, 3 Heat Settings, Including Keep Warm….

Westinghouse SA21950 Counter Top Chef Multi-cooker, Stainless/Black $119.95 - 10 Different cooking functions in 1 appliance: steam slow cook bake stew braise saute rice cook boil reheat keep warm- Fully programmable with automatic functions- 24 hour digital timer with countdown function- Super large LCD display panel- Large 4.2 quart (4 liter) capacity- Removable steam valve- Removable insulated top panel- Detachable cord- Built in carrying handle- Single pact and versati…

Precise Heat Element Low Pressure, Pressure Cooker $79.99 Cooks foods in half the time. These 2 stainless steel pressure cooker pans – 9qt and 4qt can be used 2 ways: One can be turned into a low pressure, pressure cooker with the addition of the pressure cooker lid and the welded, riveted handles locked into position; or, either pan can be used as a standard cooking pan with the addition of the ’see-thru’ glass cover not locking the handles. What does l…

Dune 2000 Dune 2000 is a real-time strategy game that requires gallant leadership, cunning tactics, and formidable military prowess to win the Emperor’s challenge by being the first to harvest the most spice and take control of Dune. Three houses have arrived to claim the prize: the honorable House Atreides, the insidious House Ordos, and the vicious House Harkonnen. Whichever house you choose to lead, reme…

A Holly Jolly Christmas For Kids $18.99 “A HOLLY JOLLY CHRISTMAS FOR KIDS” is a 3 CD collection of 41 Christmas songs, sung by kids, for kids. The first 2 CDs, named “SANTA’S FAVORITES” and “HOLIDAY FUN SONGS”, contain the songs that celebrate the fun aspects of Christmas, like: “Rudolph”, Frosty The Snowman”, “I Want A Hippopotamus For Christmas”, “Santa Claus Is Coming To Town”, plus 25 more fun songs. The 3rd CD, “THE SPIRIT OF CHR…

Logitech WiLife Digital Video Security–Hidden Master System Camera $329.99 Discreetly monitor your home and business with the Logitech Spy Video Security Master System, a revolutionary video security system you can install in 15 minutes. Your Spy Camera is a fully functioning digital clock.Itâ?TMs all plug and play. Using innovative HomePlug technology, the Logitech Spy Camera Video Security Master System transmits encrypted video over existing electrical wires straight…

Logitech WiLife Digital Video Security–Indoor Add-On Camera $170.00 The Logitech Indoor Add-On Security Camera enhances the power and reach of your Video Security Master System so you can easily monitor your home or business….

Logitech WiLife Digital Video Security–Indoor Master System Camera $139.99 Monitor your home or business with the Logitech® Indoor Video Security Master System, a revolutionary video security system you can install in 15 minutes.Sleek, yet unobtrusive, the Indoor Camera fits seamlessly with your home décor.Itâ?TMs all plug and play. Using innovative HomePlug┢ technology, the Logitech® Indoor Video Security Master System transmits encrypted video over existi…

Nature Made Iron 65mg, Equivalent to 325 mg Ferrous Sulfate – 300 Tablets $6.55 Iron is an essential part of hemoglobin, the protein substance which enables red blood cells to carry oxygen through the body. These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease….

GP RECYKO ALWAYS READY NiMH Rechargeable battery package: 8 AA 2100 mAh + 8 AAA 850 mAh $34.95 …