Your Browser Cache Setting!

Many Internet Service Providers and/or your web browser "cache" (store) pages so that the next time you visit the page appears to load quickly. While this is helpful in speeding up your entire web experience, it can be terrible if you are not seeing the latest version of the page. Especially when viewing a site like IU which is an entirely "dynamic content" site.

Most of IU's pages are "dynamic" in that our site doesn't consist of pre-built pages. Every page you view is actually made up of bits and pieces stored in our database and assembled as you view it.

What can you do to ensure you are getting the right stuff?

In order to view the latest version of our pages you visit, it may be necessary to change your web browser settings to verify that the latest page is being visited. Most browsers do not come set up "out of the box" to view dynamic content sites. This is accomplished by making changes to your browser options or preferences.

The following instructions are for the most popular browsers. Please keep in mind that the exact version of the browser you are running may require some variation from the descriptions below, but these guidelines should get you pointed in the right direction. If you have questions please consult your browser help files or your ISP support personnel.

(*For PC Users Only:)

• America On-Line

AOL typically caches pages you've visited previously and only checks for and loads new versions if your cache settings are set correctly. It's vital with AOL that they be set properly.

•  Choose "Settings"
•  Choose "Preferences"
•  Choose "Internet properties" (www)
•  The "Internet options" screen appears on your left side of screen
•  Click on "Temporary Internet Settings"
•  On the next screen select "Check for new Page every time you enter"
•  Save your changes and reboot

• Internet Explorer (6.x)

•  On the browser menu bar choose "Tools"
•  Choose "Internet Options"
•  Choose "General"
•  click the button that says "Delete Cookies"
•  click the button that says "Delete Files" (be sure to check the box on the pop up to "delete offline content")
•  click the button that says "Settings"
•  "Check for newer version of stored pages" must be set to "Every visit to view the page"
•  Save your changes and reboot

• Netscape (7.x)

•  On the browser menu bar choose "Edit"
•  Choose "Preferences"
•  Choose "Advanced"
•  Choose "Cache"
•  click the button that says "clear memory cache"
•  click the button that says "clear disk cache"
•  "Compare the page in the cache" must be set to "Every time I view the page"
•  Save your changes and reboot

• Opera (7.x)

•  On the browser menu bar choose "File"
•  Choose "Preferences"
•  Choose "History and cache"
•  "cache document" must be Un-checked
•  "cache images" should be checked
•  "Check documents" should be set to "always"
•  "Check images" should be set to "every 5 hours"
•  "Check other" should be set to "every 5 hours"
•  Save your changes and reboot

• Other browsers use similar methods to delete old "Cache" files.