What is cached data?

Cached data is data that is stored in the computer cache, a reserved section of memory or storage device. The two common cache types are memory or disk; memory is a portion of high-speed static RAM, disk cache uses the main memory.

Cache memory stores temporary files on a computer, allowing users to quickly retrieve previously viewed files by accessing the cache memory instead of downloading the file again. This also saves users bandwidth, and clearing the cache deletes a user's Web browsing history. A cache server stores pages that have been previously accessed by users on a network. Attempting to access the server loads the cached version, reducing traffic congestion and bandwidth consumption.