We sometimes receive messages from readers informing us of issues with the layout of the website. This mostly occurs when using a mobile device such as a phone or tablet but can also affect desktop browsers.

Safari

Safari users sometimes experience problems when viewing the mobile site on desktop and vice versa. Follow the steps below to see if this resolves the issue.

When viewing a webpage in Safari, long-press on the Refresh button. A small prompt will show up just below the button, giving you the option to Request Desktop Site. Tap on the drop-down, which will prompt Safari to reload the current page, but this time it should reflect the same experience you would have on a Mac or PC.

If you have noticed some issues when viewing stroudtimes.com such as elements displaying over the top of text or an unusual layout of graphics/pictures, 90% of the time this can be fixed by clearing your browser’s cache.

What is the cache?

Your browser’s cache (pronounced cash), is a collection of web pages stored on your hard drive or in your phone/tablet storage. The cache includes the text, images, and most other media contained on web pages that you’ve visited.

Having a local copy of a web page makes for quick loading on your next visit because your computer or mobile device doesn’t have to download it from the internet again.

Over time, however, as we continue to develop and improve the website experience for Stroud Times readers, your browser may try to load a cached version of the site which doesn’t match the most up to date version. This conflict is the reason behind many instances of the site not loading on your device as expected.   

Why should I clear cache?

You don’t have to clear the cache as a regular part of computer or smartphone maintenance. However, there are some good reasons to clear cache:

• Clearing your cache forces your browser to retrieve the newest copy available from the website, something that should happen automatically but sometimes does not.
• You’re experiencing issues such as 404 errors or 502 errors (among others) that may indicate your browser’s cache is corrupted.
• Malware is another reason to delete the browser cache. It can be dropped in the cache without you knowing or alongside program installations, so clearing the entire cache can delete malicious files. (It also helps to have antivirus software.)
• Another reason to delete browser cache data is to free up space on your hard drive. Over time, the cache can grow to a huge size; clearing it can recover some of that previously used space.

Below we have outlined the steps for clearing your cache for some of the most widely used browsers.

IMPORTANT: Following the instructions listed below will clear your cache of all websites meaning that your browser will have to fetch a new version of every website you visit. In many cases you will also be signed out of active sessions and have to re-enter your log-in details to websites that require them. If you wish to keep your cached files and only clear the cache for stroudtimes.com, most browsers also allow you to do this but the process varies depending on the browser you’re using. Visit the support page of your browser for more information.