The Computer Dictionary
Cache
Cache (Pronounced "cash") is a storage area for recently used data, a cache makes it
possible to re-access this same data very quickly. This is useful because RAM Memory is slower compared to
processor speed. Cache fills in the gap. There are several caches in a computer, each with
its own purpose.
For example: cache is used by the browser to store recent browser activity. This makes it possible to
instantly re-visit websites without the viewer having to wait for the browser to actually re-download all the
individual images and text. Because hard drive cache is accessable quickly, cached websites
speeds up browsing considerably.
Other caches include the memory cache, which allows you to re-access data from RAM memory, rather than
the slower hard drive, and the processor's cache, which allows the re-access of computer instructions from
within the processor itself.
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