(1) To continuously charge a device that cannot hold its content. Dynamic RAM memory chips require refreshing to maintain their charged bit patterns (see
dynamic RAM). CRTs must be refreshed, because the phosphors hold their glow for only a few milliseconds. See
vertical scan frequency and
redraw.
(2) To download again (reload) the same Web page currently on screen in case it changed at the server side since it was last downloaded. All Internet browsers have a button for this function, and many Web pages automatically refresh without user intervention. See
reload.