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lightbulb gripe
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lightbulb gripe |
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Nimrod the Hunter Member
since 1999-06-10
Posts 60 |
What is going on here? I am using Netscape 4.61 (not that it really has anything to do with this) but sometimes the lightbulb representing new postings isn't there, and other times it is. Is this a normal occurrence at this site, or is something wrong with my browser? ------------------ Nimrod the Hunter |
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Ron
Administrator
Member Rara Avis
since 1999-05-19
Posts 8669Michigan, US |
Not too sure, Nimrod. I use 4.51 (very little difference) and have no problems. If the lightbulbs were "inaccurate" I would say you have a caching problem (either the browser or, more likely, your ISP). But you say they are gone altogether at times? About the only thing I can think to check (and it's a long shot) is that your browser is set to accept cookies. The system uses a cookie to keep track of the last time you were here and then puts a lightbulb next to those forums with something new. If you are not accepting the cookie, I'm unsure what the system will show you. From the menu, go to Edit, Preferences, then click on "Advanced." That should tell you your current settings on cookies. I can't tell you whether you should accept them or not (at least, not in 500 words or less), but if you have them turned off the system will certainly get a little strange on you... HTH |
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Nimrod the Hunter Member
since 1999-06-10
Posts 60 |
I am unsure if it is my ISP because while I was using Netscape one moment, the lightbulbs weren't there altogether. I cancelled the window and opened up Netscape again, went to the site, and there the lightbulbs are! Second, my cookies have been enabled the whole time. I do not entirely understand what caching does, and I have not modified anything to it. Also, on NS 4.61, there is an option under Preferences > Advanced > Cache that says "Document in cache is compared to document on network" - and the default there is once per session. Maybe if I changed it to every time? The light bulbs might not be as big a fuss as I think it is. But I will give you the default cache sizes. Memory cache: 1024 kb. Disk cache: 7680 kb. Can you explain how caching works? It still could be the ISP causing this, or the cookies have a leak somewhere. Or it's the cache. ------------------ Nimrod the Hunter [This message has been edited by Nimrod the Hunter (edited 06-25-99).] |
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Ron
Administrator
Member Rara Avis
since 1999-05-19
Posts 8669Michigan, US |
Caching simply means your browser asks for the page once, then saves it (caches it) on your local hard disk. Then, instead of sending / receiving a bunch more bytes (the page) across the network, it can load it from your hard disk the next time you go there. Once per session means you should see a new copy every time you log onto the Internet - but you'll see that page until the next time you log onto the Internet. The cache sizes simply determine *how much* data from the Internet can be cached on your local drive. I am running the same cache setting as you are - once per session. Changing it to "every time" will guarantee a fresh page - but can also dramatically slow down your page views. Cookies were the most likely culprit. The fact that you didn't see the bulbs, then closed Netscape and found them again when you reopened it (new session!) suggests it might be your local cache. Some ISP's (like AOL) will also cache the pages so they don't have to pay for the extra bandwidth to my server. Since you're on a .edu (right?) that probably is not the case. I would suggest, if the lightbulbs are important to you, that you set your cache to "every time" and see what happens. If that solves the problem, we know it was the cache. Once you see the speed difference (not just at Passions, but across the whole net), you can determine which is more important. Oh, and someday I'll learn how to give short answers...  Ron |
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Nimrod the Hunter Member
since 1999-06-10
Posts 60 |
The light bulbs have been doing just fine the last few times I opened up Netscape. I'm using my .edu email address, but I'm away from college for the summer, so I use two other ISPs - Netzero and AOL. The lightbulbs won't ruin my day, so I better go celebrate my birthday! At least I have answers to fall back on now. Hope June 26 is a good day for you! |
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Alicat Member Elite
since 1999-05-23
Posts 4094Coastal Texas |
Happy Birthday!!!!! Alicat  |
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