cached website files

[Madge]

First question:

After I have uploaded new or amended files to my site, I usually cannot see the effects immediately using MSIE 6. Sometimes when I clear all "temporary internet files" via "internet options/delete files/delete all offline files" this does the trick but more often it does not.

If however I open NN 7.0 browser and enter "Edit/Preferences/Advanced/Cache" then "Clear Memory Cache" and "Clear Disk Cache" this always does the trick and I can then view the changes using IE also.

Can you explain the purpose of these two caches in Navigator? Which (if either) is equivalent to the Temporary Internet Files in IE? Is the fact that I am clearing two areas in NN and only one in IE something to do with my IE effort being ineffective? Is there a way to do the same job in IE?

I do not wish to inflict on you guys the tedium of teaching me browser basics and I am willing to do some work myself if you prefer to direct me to some printed or online explanation for dummies.

Second question:

A friend is building her first website on her ISP's free webspace allocation. She claims that, however often and whenever she uploads files, the webhost "sits on" them and then implements all changes overnight, so she has to wait until next day to check the changes. This seems improbable to me. Would this be a typical free webspace practice?

[degsy]

don't use NN much so can't give much info.

With IE, if your page doesn't update then press CTRL+Refresh. This will call the page from the server and not the Temporary Internet Files.

If the page still doesn't update then it's possible that the page is being downloaded from your ISP's cache and you'll have to wait for that cache to be updated.

[enat66]

In IE you can have it automatically check for new versions of pages everytime you visit them...tell your friend to try this:
In IE:
Tools>Internet Options
Under the General Tab, Under the Temporary Internet Files Section click Settings
The Settings on how often it check for a new version can be set. But keep in mind the point of the cache is to speed up loading time...which also reminds me...what is your friends ISP...they may be one who caches the pages so their users get faster speeds...I heard about those in a magazine article.

[Steven.Bentley]

The memory cache is very short term, stores content from this session while the disk cache is longer term.

The uploading arrangement you mention isn't uncommon, it's known as a staging server.

[Madge]

Many thanks for your replies. I am a bit clearer now.
(Can't stop to chat, must get to Elland Road before all the bargains have gone.)

[Steven.Bentley]

Originally Posted by Madge

(Can't stop to chat, must get to Elland Road before all the bargains have gone.)

*not rising to the bait*