browser cache question

They have: 2 posts

Joined: Dec 2003

Hi;

I'm an amateur so forgive my ignorance. I maintain a website for an orphanage in Mexico.

When I make changes on the web pages, I check them in IE, NNav and Opera (latest versions) before uploading them to the server.

After uploading the changes, I notice if I don't refresh (reload) the pages in each of these browsers, the older version of the page loads. I have a "caveat" on every page avising my "visitors" that if they've accessed the page previously, they must refresh (reload) their browser to see any changes.

There must be a better way. What is it?

Thanks;

Hank
casadehogar.org

Suzanne's picture

She has: 5,507 posts

Joined: Feb 2000

Change the cache settings on your browser.

Your visitors will likely be unaffected unless they keep your page open indefinitely.

Busy's picture

He has: 6,151 posts

Joined: May 2001

when viewing changes off line (on your PC) press F5 instead of reload

They have: 2 posts

Joined: Dec 2003

Suzanne and Busy;

Thanks for the replys.

Would you then advise that I don't need the "caveats" about reloading (refreshing) on each page for visitors?

I am fairly computer literate and know how to configure my browser(s) but I know a lot of people (especially the category of those who would be visiting the orphanage web site) who are not computer literate and wouldn't have the slightest inkling of caching, etc.

Thanks;

Hank
casadehogar.org

Suzanne's picture

She has: 5,507 posts

Joined: Feb 2000

There are three caches that can mess you up -- your own on your browser. The ISP cache and the cache on your host server.

Users can control their own cache only.

*If* the host cache is set properly, when a request comes in, they will serve the new document, but if the user has their browser cache set to never check for new information, and they never empty their history or cache, you're out of luck.

It's not usually set for that, so you can assume that the average user will get the new document and those who set their caches badly can figure it out for themselves.

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