You should make this post a sticky item at the top of the page...

Done

How do i get my site's users to empty their browser cache ? I know how to empty my cache, but i seem to have spent all weak explaining to my site's users

peter.t.wishart wrote:

How do i get my site's users to empty their browser cache ? I know how to empty my cache, but i seem to have spent all weak explaining to my site's users

Peter,

Some suggestions for you and others that want to make sure Members of your site understand the importance of clearing the browser cache after you make any major updates to the site. Create a HELP FILE and use the text and images below to save you time.

I have included the text of this Tutorial (below) for you to add to an article page or new discussion on your site. I have changed all the references to the step number and header graphic image files from referencing my site and you only need to change or add the necessary information for yoursite.com. Help files will save you a TON OF TIME educating your members.

I would like to create more generic content Help files for EasySocial and EasyDiscuss and EasyBlog that customers can use on their own sites. I just need to allocate the time. Perhaps I should start on this tomorrow.

Here is what you need to do to use this text as your own Help Article for your site members :

1. Create a folder in your Images folder on your site. Name the folder: help_images
2. Upload the attached images below to the help_images folder. This folder will be in this path on your site:
http://yoursite.com/images/help_images/ > - all files will reside in this folder.
3. Modify the Help Article text below to suit your site needs. You can change any parts you want. Just make sure your images are referenced properly in their proper path on your server.
4. Test out the Help article or Discussion, and if it looks good, then create an HTML Module and some text or a link that directs your Members to the Help Discussion or the article on your site.

Copy this text to your discussion or article: Modify as you see fit. Make sure all image links work properly so the Step numbers show up and the headers show up in your article. Make it available to your members. I have also included the Help Text below in this attached rtf file:

clearcache_helptext_01.rtf

------------------------------------------

CLEAR BROWSER CACHE HELP TEXT



Why clear the browser Cache after installing an update to an Extension?

Simply put: Because it is a Best Practice to follow to avoid making assumptions that any new update has bugs or issues.

To keep our site up to date, we make periodic changes to files on the site, and in doing so we have to ask our members to Update or Clear their browser Cache. NOTE to Peter: ADD YOUR TEXT HERE on why you want your members to update. Use this text below as a reference:

To , they often make changes to a number of files, and since these files make up how your website is displayed, if you DO NOT CLEAR THE CACHE, then the old files are still being served up and you won’t see the most recent changes. This usually results in weird errors and issues, making users think or assume that the new updates to the extension has bugs and new issues that need to be fixed. Then people post issue or bugs requests on the support site, and this results in ... NOTE TO PETER - (ADD what you want here...)

What does clearing the browser cache do? What is my 'cache' and why should I clear it?
Your website consists of a composition of thousands of files, and all websites are loading tons of files at once to display content in your browser.

Every webpage Browser has been designed to speed up the loading process. The first time you visit a website, the browser you are using will 'Save'files most often viewed on the website in what is called the Browser Cache. The Browser makes it possible to display website files stored in the browser cache much faster than it can pull fresh files from the website server. Each time you visit this website, the browser will use the 'cached files' to cut down on webpage load time.

So why is it important to always clear the Browser Cache after installing an extension update?

Please clear your Browser Cache. - this will clear out the old files being used, to update the new files. This usually resolves most issues.

There is a Silver Lining in Clearing your Browser Cache - less time spent by our site Team on asking people to clear their Browser Cache means more time spent on creating cool new features for our members.



Each browser has a different process of Clearing the Cache. There is always an option to delete the Browser Cache or temporary files in your Browser’s Administrative settings.

Instructions for clearing cache in Google Chrome
Click on the Settings button (wrench icon) in the top right of the browser.
Select Clear Browsing Data. The most recent versions of Chrome will be in Tools > Clear Browsing Data.
Select only "Empty the Cache."
In the drop-down that reads 'Obliterate the following items from' select "the beginning of time."
Click the "Clear Browsing Data" button.

On the keyboard use - Shift - F5

Instructions for clearing cache in Apple Safari
Go to Safari > Empty Cache.
Select yes to "Empty.”

On the keyboard, use Control, Shift, Delete (for Windows) or Command Shift Delete (for Mac) will open the configuration pane to clear cache in any browser.

Instructions for clearing cache in Firefox
Go to Tools > Clear Recent History or Clear Private Data.
Select only 'cache.' - In the option “Time Range to Clear,” choose "Everything."
Select "Clear Now."

Instructions for clearing cache in Internet Explorer
If you have Internet Explorer 9 or 10 click the gear icon in the top right.
Go to Safety > Clear Browsing History.
Select "Delete Files."
Delete Temporary Internet Files.

In Internet Explorer 7 or 8:
Go to Tools > Internet Options.
Select 'Delete Files' in the General Tab under Browsing History,
Delete Temporary Internet Files.

Why should I refresh the webpage after clearing my Browser Cache?

It is very important to refresh the page after clearing your Browser Cache so that your browser can then access the fresh files.
- Many issues after an update are usually resolved after clearing your Browser Cache.

Our team works long hours to add extension updates to the site, and as good members you can do your part by following Best Practices of taking steps to Clear the Browser Cache when problems arise after we make an update.



NOTE to PETER: ADD any further steps here for your members to follow.. or delete this and the image above.

Thank You for your Cooperation and Understanding,

Add Your Name or Team Name here

Thanks for sharing Randall

Thanks Randall

I would sure love one of these tutorials on how to create the facebook application! :-)

Sean Carney wrote:

I would sure love one of these tutorials on how to create the facebook application! :-)

Sean, I was thinking about this today as I had to make some changes to my sites Facebook integration. I'll try to start this tomorrow, Monday, November 11, 2013.

Thanks Randall