cache

cache

cache (cache memory) A type of memory that is used in high-performance systems, inserted between the processor and memory proper. The memory hierarchy on a system contains registers in the processor, which are the highest-speed storage, and, at a slightly lower level of accessibility, the contents of the main memory. The cache is intended to reduce the discrepancy in accessibility between these two types of unit, and functions by holding small regions that map the contents of main memory. The formal behavior of the cache corresponds closely to that of the working set in a paging system.

Some magnetic disk controllers have a cache. The working of the cache is not visible to the main CPU, but again provides a mapping of the current contents of part of the disk units in order to provide improved performance.

Some magnetic tape units have built-in cache memory. In this case the aim is to allow a streaming tape transport to emulate the behavior of a (more expensive) start-stop unit so that it can be attached to a system designed to support only the latter without substantial software modification. The arrangement was introduced by Cipher in the early 1980s.

See also disk cache.

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JOHN DAINTITH. "cache." A Dictionary of Computing. 2004. Encyclopedia.com. 11 Feb. 2012 <http://www.encyclopedia.com>.

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cache

cache / kash/ • n. a collection of items of the same type stored in a hidden or inaccessible place: an arms cache a cache of gold coins. ∎  a hidden or inaccessible storage place for valuables, provisions, or ammunition. ∎  (also cache memory) Comput. an auxiliary memory from which high-speed retrieval is possible. • v. [tr.] store away in hiding or for future use. ∎  Comput. store (data) in a cache memory. ∎  Comput. provide (hardware) with a cache memory.

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"cache." The Oxford Pocket Dictionary of Current English. 2009. Encyclopedia.com. 11 Feb. 2012 <http://www.encyclopedia.com>.

"cache." The Oxford Pocket Dictionary of Current English. 2009. Encyclopedia.com. (February 11, 2012). http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O999-cache.html

"cache." The Oxford Pocket Dictionary of Current English. 2009. Retrieved February 11, 2012 from Encyclopedia.com: http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O999-cache.html

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cache

cache An area of memory or a FILE in a computer which is used for storing data, text, graphics, or programs that are frequently accessed by users. By using a cache, efficiency is improved since it minimizes the number of slow connections that might be required to retrieve the data from its source—often the Internet. See SITE CACHING, BROWSER CACHING, and CACHING.

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DARREL INCE. "cache." A Dictionary of the Internet. 2001. Encyclopedia.com. 11 Feb. 2012 <http://www.encyclopedia.com>.

DARREL INCE. "cache." A Dictionary of the Internet. 2001. Encyclopedia.com. (February 11, 2012). http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O12-cache.html

DARREL INCE. "cache." A Dictionary of the Internet. 2001. Retrieved February 11, 2012 from Encyclopedia.com: http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O12-cache.html

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Cache

Cache

a hiding place, hence, the items hidden; the stores of provisions hidden by travellers or explorers on their journeys.

Examples: cache of green boughs, 1866; of jewels; of meat, 1865; of a barrel of pork, 1842; of provisions; of silver, 1860; of treasure.

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"Cache." Dictionary of Collective Nouns and Group Terms. 1985. Encyclopedia.com. 11 Feb. 2012 <http://www.encyclopedia.com>.

"Cache." Dictionary of Collective Nouns and Group Terms. 1985. Encyclopedia.com. (February 11, 2012). http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1G2-2505300205.html

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cache

cache XIX. — F., f. cacher hide (see next).

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T. F. HOAD. "cache." The Concise Oxford Dictionary of English Etymology. 1996. Encyclopedia.com. 11 Feb. 2012 <http://www.encyclopedia.com>.

T. F. HOAD. "cache." The Concise Oxford Dictionary of English Etymology. 1996. Encyclopedia.com. (February 11, 2012). http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O27-cache.html

T. F. HOAD. "cache." The Concise Oxford Dictionary of English Etymology. 1996. Retrieved February 11, 2012 from Encyclopedia.com: http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O27-cache.html

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cache

cacheabash, ash, Ashe, bash, brash, cache, calash, cash, clash, crash, dash, encash, flash, gash, gnash, hash, lash, mash, Nash, panache, pash, plash, rash, sash, slash, smash, soutache, splash, stash, thrash, trash •earbash • kurbash • calabash •slapdash • pebbledash • balderdash •spatterdash • backlash • backslash •whiplash • eyelash • goulash •newsflash • thunderflash • mishmash •gatecrash • Midrash • potash •succotash

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"cache." Oxford Dictionary of Rhymes. 2007. Encyclopedia.com. 11 Feb. 2012 <http://www.encyclopedia.com>.

"cache." Oxford Dictionary of Rhymes. 2007. Encyclopedia.com. (February 11, 2012). http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O233-cache.html

"cache." Oxford Dictionary of Rhymes. 2007. Retrieved February 11, 2012 from Encyclopedia.com: http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O233-cache.html

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Free newspaper and magazine articles

Cache design. (includes related articles on reducing disk-access times with...
Magazine article from: EDN; 4/25/1991
Cache aware data laying for the Gauss-Seidel smoother.
Magazine article from: Electronic Transactions on Numerical Analysis; 1/1/2003
Cache memories and MMUs work together in high-speed systems. (includes a...
Magazine article from: EDN; 3/15/1990

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