What does cache mean in regards to the computer

Question

as with computers

Answer 1

A cache in the real world is a place to store things, as in a squirrel hiding its acorns for later.

A microprocessor often has an extra amount of very fast "cache" memory built in, or installed next to it, to save data or instructions that it might need again later. Using the cache memory makes programs faster because the processor doesn't need to spend the extra time asking the main memory bank, which is slower. The time saved is measured in nanoseconds, but adds up in the long run.

A web browser's (Internet Explorer, Firefox, Safari, etc.) cache serves the same function on a larger scale. When you surf the web, your browser saves a copy of the web pages and pictures for later in case you go back to that page, and will re-use those files when it can instead of downloading a fresh copy every time.