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How To Clear Browser Cache Stored On WAM Or Glue Account

The purpose of this page is to describe the function of the clearcache command. When using a Web browser on the Workstations at Maryland (WAM) or Glue systems (in the WAM/Glue Unix or WAM NT environments); the web page source, including images, are stored locally for fast retrieval in the local cache (pronounced "cash") directory.

For the Firefox browser, the directory is:

   ~/.mozilla/firefox/'random#'.default/cache

and for Internet Explorer, the directory could be in:

   ~/.ntprofile/Local Settings/Temporary Internet Files/Content.IE5

If you use both browsers interchangeably, both could exist.

These files build in size and can eventually create a problem with respect to your quota, which is currently 100 megabytes (100MB). Instead of deleting all the cache files manually, you can run the command:

    clearcache 

The following message(s) will display on your monitor:

    UNIX Firefox Cache Cleared
    UNIX Mozilla Cache Cleared
    UNIX Internet Explorer Cache Cleared

For example:

    rac2:~: clearcache
    UNIX Mozilla Cache Cleared
    UNIX Internet Explorer Cache Cleared
    rac2:~:

If you get the message "Command not found" when you run the clearcache command, then type the following at the command line:

/usr/local/scripts/clearcache

The same message(s) stating that Firefox and Internet Explorer caches were cleared will appear.

Additionally, if you receive the "Command not found" message:

  • After the quota is less than 100%, log out and then back into the account.
  • Run the clearcache script again. If the system again gives a "Command not found" message, you will need to reset the default initialization files, as one may not be able to run other general system scripts as well. You can do this by typing the command: /usr/local/scripts/newdefaults
  • This will replace any out-of-date login scripts (.login, .cshrc, etc.) with the current system defaults. Any files replaced will be copied to the same filename with the current date appended, (like ".cshrc-99-12-14").
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