Editing Help:Cache (section)

==Background==
Internet browsers require the utilisation of what is called a '''cache''' or '''browser cache''', which is a temporary storage area on your computer's hard drive to which website data is stored for increased webpage performance. Simply put, your cache allows webpages to load faster. A cache differs from a ''Cookie'', in that a ''Cookie'' is used to allow a website to use certain information about your computer to improve your browser's future performance.

The idea behind the cache is that most websites utilise a base layout on all or most of their pages. For instance, the Brighter Shores Wiki logo appears at the top-right of every Brighter Shores Wiki page. A cache enables the browser to download the logo image once, so that it doesn't have to download it every time a new page is opened. 

Ironically, there are times when clearing one's cache is helpful for website performance. Additionally, a web browser's cache may take up significant space on one's hard drive.

Examples of problems that may occur due to one's cache may be seen with the updating of certain images on the Brighter Shores Wiki. Editors continually update images throughout the wiki in order to maintain the latest, cleanest versions of those images. However, due to issues with one's cache and the way a website interacts with it, these updates may not take effect immediately. Furthermore, there are privacy issues that may warrant a reset of one's cache (such as when ''logging out'' of your Brighter Shores Wiki account).