Definition

disk cache

A disk cache is a mechanism for improving the time it takes to read from or write to a hard disk. Today, the disk cache is usually included as part of the hard disk. A disk cache can also be a specified portion of random access memory (RAM). The disk cache holds data that has recently been read and, in some cases, adjacent data areas that are likely to be accessed next. Write caching is also provided with some disk caches.

The other type of hardware cache inside your computer is cache memory. Also see cache.

This was last updated in April 2005
Posted by: Margaret Rouse

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