How to Clear Buffers on a PC

By Darla Ferrara

i Ryan McVay/Photodisc/Getty Images

A buffer is a division of memory on your computer used to store data. The terms cache and buffer become interchangeable when discussing computer performance. A true buffer will clear itself once the data is accessed. However, a cache needs manual clearing as part of maintenance. Another buffer you may encounter is the print buffer. A print buffer stores information for print jobs. Knowing how to clear a cache and print buffer will help keep your computer running at its best.

Internet Explorer Cache

Step 1

Open an Explorer browser window.

Step 2

Select the “Tools” option located at the top of your screen.

Step 3

Click on “Internet Options” from the Tools menu.

Step 4

Move to the “Temporary Internet Files” section of the dialog box. Press the “Delete Files” button.

Step 5

Click “OK” to delete the files.

Firefox Cache

Step 1

Open a Firefox browser window.

Step 2

Select “Tools” from the top of the screen.

Step 3

Click “Options” from the Tools menu.

Step 4

Move to the “Advanced” tab in the Options window.

Step 5

Open the “Network” tab on the Advanced Options dialog box.

Step 6

Select “Clear Now” in the “Offline Storage” section of the Network window.

Print Buffer

Step 1

Click on the “Start” button at the bottom of your desktop, and access the "Search" text box. XP users should click “Run” to open the box. Vista and Windows 7 users can just move to the Search box on the Start menu.

Step 2

Type “control printers” in the Search box and click “OK.”

Step 3

Right-click on the printer icon; this will open an options menu.

Step 4

Select “Open” from the menu that appears next to your cursor.

Step 5

Click on “Cancel All Documents.” This will clear the spool and eventually the buffer. Some data may still print, but this will stop as the buffer clears.

References

Writer Bio