Q. What does clearing the cache and cookies do?

A “cache” is a tool your computer uses to help speed up your browsing. When you frequent a page your computer will “cache” images and save them to your hard drive. This makes loading pages faster.

“Cookies” are information you have selected previously on a specific site. For example, if you log into your email account your computer will remember your username and store it in the hard drive.

Both of these functions can help your computer run faster. However, when a site changes or you wish to enter new information (such as a new username for your email) they can cause problems.

By clearing the cache and cookies you are telling your computer to forget all previous activity, settings, and information. It is the internet equivalent of “turning it off and back on again”.