Q. Why doesn't my internet browser ALWAYS display the latest version of webpages?

A. We didn't always have persistent (always on) internet connections; you might recall connecting by telephone modem for periods of time before cable or DSL internet services became available when you became "always connected". Internet browsers default to storing your viewed webpages on your computer to 1) save time loading and 2) more importantly supporting the "Work Offline" mode where a user can view pages without being connected to the internet. This is fine for pages that rarely change for months or even years but can become an issue for the pages that are updated on a regular frequency (daily or weekly).

The simplest way to ensure that the latest version (published on the internet now and NOT an earlier version downloaded and stored on your computer) is to press the key. This is a standard refresh feature on Windows computers. For the equivalent action in Apple Mac machines this is Command + R. (more information on key mapping may be available from a Mac expert) We publish website pages and cannot answer detailed technical questions. Please use Google search or consult with a local expert if required.

Below is some basic information that will guide you as to what is possible for your internet browser to provide the latest pages automatically (or at least how to empty the cache of stored pages in order for your computer to be forced to go look current versions of webpages):

 

Windows Explorer

1. Click on Tools – select Internet Options

2. Under Browsing History - click on Settings.

3. Under ‘check for newer versions of stored pages’, select Every time I visit the webpage and then click OK.

                       

 

Firefox

Refer to this article: https://support.mozilla.org/en-US/kb/private-browsing-use-firefox-without-history

 

Chrome

Clear Browsing Data in Chrome

To remove temporary Internet files and cookies in Google Chrome:

  1. Click the Chrome Menu icon on the browser toolbar  
  2. Click Tools  
  3. Select "Clear Browsing Data..." (or a shortcut is to simultaneously press the Ctrl + Shift + Delete keys on any Chrome screen)
  4. Click the button beside "Obliterate the following items from" and select "the beginning of time" to delete everything (or select a specific time frame)
  5. Check "Clear Browsing History", "Empty the cache", "Delete Cookies and ...plug-in data", and any other type of information that you want to remove
  6. Click the "Clear Browsing Data" button. 
  7. Close all Chrome screens and then re-start Chrome. 

 

Safari

Empty Browsing Cache and Cookies in Safari on Mac

Open Safari to display the Safari Menu Bar: 

To clear history, cookies and other website data in Safari 8's cache:

  1. Click the word Safari in the browser's top menu
  2. Select  "Clear History and Website Data" in Safari's drop-down menu (click here for Safari 8 Menu image)
  3. Select the time period for which to clear history in the drop-down menu beside Clear
  4. Click the "Clear History" button.

To empty Safari 7's cache of webpage data:

  1. Click the word Safari in the browser's top menu 
  2. Select Preferences  (click to see image)
  3. Select the Advanced tab (click to see Safari 7 image)  
  4. Check "Show Develop menu in menu bar" (click to see image)
  5. Select Develop in Safari menu bar:   http://www.ctimls.com/Support/Images/NonCTI%20Images/Safari/Safari7_Develop-on-MenuBar.JPG
  6. Click on "Empty Caches"  (click to see image)
  7. Close Safari and then re-open the browser. 

To empty the cache of web page data saved by Safari 6 and earlier:

  1. Click the word Safari in the browser's top menu
  2. Select "Empty cache..."
  3. Click the "Empty" button to confirm
  4. Close Safari and then re-open the browser.