Cache memory questions and answers
Q1. Define ‘cache’.
A1. Very fast-access memory.
Q2. What are you typically likely to find in cache?
A2. Frequently used pieces of data e.g. constants.
Q3. Why is cache used?
A3. By providing some super-fast memory, which is close to the processor, you can speed up the speed at which the processor works through instructions. The CPU doesn’t have to access the slower RAM to get to data it uses again and again.
Q4. Why doesn’t a CPU just use cache instead of RAM if it is so fast?
A4. Cost. Cache is far more expensive to manufacture than RAM.
Q5. What units are are used to measure the size of cache?
A5. Bytes (the unit of data storage).
Q6. What units are are used to measure the size of RAM?
A6. Bytes again (the unit of data storage).
Q7. You can buy extra cache for your computer. What limits the amount of cache you can use?
A7. The motherboard will specify the maximum amount of cache it can use.
Q8. The word 'cache' is often applied to applications such as web browsers. What is cache when used in this context?
A8. It's a place where web pages can be stored.
Q9. Why do web browsers cache web pages?
A9. Because when you revisit the web site as often happens, it can get it back from its cache rather than the Internet. This is much faster, although you may want to get the latest version of a web page so will have to refresh your broswer or clear your cache out.
Q10. Do some research. Find out how to clear your web browser's cache.
The exact place depends on your browser and version of browser but it's usually buried somewhere in Settings or Tools.