what exactly is cache?

Question

with regards to computer memory

Answer 1

in terms of computer memory, there is the hardware and software part.

cache in hardware means that there is a fast memory module, say, within the processor to throw information around very fast. it basically does what a normal memory does. it remembers and just throws the information out at whoever asks for it, the RAM, the HDD, etc. it is faster than RAM and holds prefetched and recently accessed information so as to transfer the data quickly.

cache in software is basically the same thing. it also has to be of high speed to accomodate high speed transmission of data. it is a piece of volatile memory, where after power is cut off, the memory turns into garbage. cache, for the software part, usually is a small part of your hard disk space where the data is stored.

Answer 2

There are several types of cache. One is in your hard drive, called the hard disk cache, and it stores recently accessed data so you don't have to wait for the relatively slow mechanics of the drive to read it again. The type you're probably thinking of is the CPU's L2 cache. That functions similarly- it stores data that is recently accessed from ram, which is much slower than the CPU. In a given processor family, more cache memory will lead to higher performance, but you can't compare across processor families.

Answer 3

A cache is a block of memory for temporary storage of data likely to be used again. The CPU and hard drive frequently use a cache, as do web browsers.

Answer 4

think of of cache as an excellent speedy reminiscence this is outfitted into the processor. you would be able to think of if this is super speedy, why isn't there greater. "6mb Cache" this is because of the fact there is completely lots useful actual assets on the tiny die of a processor. For AMD, i think L3 cache is shared among all cores and L2 is for each center.

Answer 5

Cache is a temporary storage area in memory or on disk that computer components and various programs use to quickly access data.

Answer 6

cache is basically a temporary storage folder on your hard drive, so that when you load webpages that you've visited before, it loads images and such from your hard drive, rather than from the internet, thus significantly reducing that amount of time it takes to load a webpage ...

Cache is also used in similair manners for other things involving PCs ... but that's typically what you would classify as cache.

Answer 7

memory stored on your hard drive. such as a hot mail username and password can be stored in your web browsers cache and can easily be retrieved by a hacker, my advice is, although a pain is to not store bank logins etc in your cache, but to type them in every time for more security.

Answer 8

Stuff that stays back in your machine after you use it for the first time to help speed things up the next time you use an application or bit of hardware.

Answer 9

it is found in a number of places, your Hard drive has one, your proccessor has one so it doesn't have to fetch from RAM the whole time and your internet browser most likley has one, its a part that is reserverd to store some infomation, in the case of internet browser it stores infomation like cookies, your history and so forth

Answer 10

i got my nursery nurse diploma from cache