Cleaning Out Windows

We all know that time to time Windows gets quite dirty (full of temp files, leftover uninstall files and the like), and this starts to add to used space rather quickly.  Well this is a common computer upkeep issue with several tools to get the job done (not including this robot).

There are some built right into any Windows install (Start > Programs > Accessories > System Tools > Disk Cleanup; Disk Defragmenter), but even better there are programs that do all this and more, and do it better!

This is by no means a complete list, but just the tools that I've used that do their job and do it well. First off my goto clean-up tool, CCleaner, available here too at my goto download site Download.com.  CCleaner's most useful job (at least for the point of this post) is of course its Cleaner function, which cleans out temporary files, the recycle bin browsing history on most browsers, cookies, and a several other options which you can turn on or off with check boxes.  If your curious about the amount of unnecessary used space, you can start with the Analyze button and it will tell you the total amount of files to be removed, before you officially run the cleaner and delete the files. 

CCleaner also comes with a Registry cleaner, which I suggest using time to time as it will help increase the efficiency of your computer.  DON'T FORGET to make a back up of your registry first, which it asks you to do automatically, just in case something is removed that shouldn't be.  But I've been using CCleaner for a couple of years and am yet to have an issue with its registry cleaner. It also comes with a basic uninstaller for most all programs installed, but one thing to note for non-nerds is the Startup tool under the Tools Tab. You can easily and comprehensibly disable programs from automatically starting up and running in the background in order to save system resources allowing your PC to run smoother and more quickly after each restart. Programs such as QuickTime don't need to automatically start, or any other software that you don't use every time you're on the computer. Just use some discretion and common sense there.

Another noteworthy options is Disk Cleaner, an open source program that simply clears out those temporary files that most programs accumulate. And one last program on this topic that I'll mention is Advanced SystemCare's free version, giving similar options to CCleaner. Or if you're pretty excited about this cleaning and system speed increasing, and just have money to through around, get the $20 version for a whole heap of options and system care goodies.

Now that you have your temporary files all nice and cleared off... have fun fillin'em back up!