Even if you don't consider yourself tech-savvy, you've probably heard the terms "browser cache" and "cookies." These are linked to internet usage, convenience, and privacy. The latter is particularly important because although they're designed to be helpful, in the wrong hands, the data held in the cache and cookies can be used against you. Thankfully, you don't need to take complicated actions or need to call an IT services company to protect yourself. Here's what you need to know.

What Is a Browser Cache?

Browser caches help make internet surfing as fast and smooth as possible. They do so by downloading some data from websites, like images, onto a local file on your computer. That way, the next time you visit, it can pull them up quickly. However, this usefulness has a limited shelf life, especially for websites that are constantly updated. 

So if a website seems a little outdated, you don't need IT services immediately; it's probably just an outdated browser cache. Clearing these temporary files is all you need to do to keep things new. 

What Are Cookies?

While the cache holds website data, the cookies are more personalized. While they are also small files, they carry information about your personal browsing history, preferences, and activities instead. 

If you've ever filled out a form on a website or adjusted a setting and it's all there the next time you visit, that's because of the cookies. As mentioned earlier, if someone gets a hold of a significant amount of this data, it can be a privacy risk. You can prevent this from piling up by clearing them out, just like with cache.

How Do I Clear Browser History?

Both the cache and cookies are part of the browser history. The process of clearing it is relatively straightforward and similar across different browsers. However, if you need assistance, an IT services technician can walk you through the process. 

• Google Chrome: On the left of the browser, there are three dots that indicate the menu. From there, choose More tools > Clear browsing data. You'll get a pop-up that allows you to choose whether you want to clear the history, cache, cookies, and more.
• Mozilla Firefox: Click the menu, then choose Options > Privacy & Security. Under the History section, there is a button labeled "Clear History." Like Chrome, you can also choose specific items and time frames. 
• Microsoft Edge: Find the menu with three dots on the side, go to Settings > Settings and more > Settings > Privacy, search, and services. Scroll down to "Clear browsing data", click "Clear browsing data now", and then choose which to clear. 

If you're having difficulty clearing your cache and cookies or need other types of computer issues, contact Microworx. Based in Rochester, NY, they've been trusted for IT services, computer repairs, and upgrades. You can learn about all their residential computer services on their website, but if you have any questions, don't hesitate to call them at (585) 271-0050.