CCleaner

A newer version of CCleaner is available.

• 5.0 stars

  "Get this! Use it daily!"

  February 21, 2012  |   By camacree

  Pros

  Files and pictures leave a trace on your computer and logs of your activity are created. Deleting the files leaves a faint shadow meaning those items could be restored by someone else using an undelete program. If you have images or password logs for example that you don't want someone, (family, friends, work colleagues, or the police), to access then this excellent small free program is for you. You can pick from individual files through to a free space or complete disk wipe. It has a powerful multi wipe cleaning system with 1,3 7, or 35 wipe options. These were previously given names such as NSA for 7 and Gutmann for 35 but have been changed presumably for copyright reasons. It's very easy to use, easy to customize, and is quicker than other comparative cleaners. I recommend this very,very highly and use it every time before I shut the computer down. Even if you never normally use it, have it for when you want to finally dispose of your hard-drive. You can wipe clean the whole disk.

  Cons

  You could irretrievably wipe important files from your computer.
  You could change the settings to wipe files and settings you didn't want wiped from your computer.

  Summary

  Class of 2012, if I could give you one tip for the future, Ccleaner...would be...it!
  Don't mess with the settings until you know what they do.
  That said I use these settings: Cleaner: Windows- DON'T tick network passwords, DNS cache, font cache, start menu and desktop shortcuts. Don't use the advanced section until you know what you're doing - with the exception of the custom files and folders which you SHOULD tick! Applications- Firefox tick all except site preferences and compact databases. Tick everything else EXCEPT security programs, (Avast, Spybot etc). That means you tick Adobe, Nero, Java, media player, and MS stuff. Registry: tick everything. Tools: don't bother or use. There are better tolls in Advanced System Care, (another recommended free download program). The only thing you would use would be the drive wiper which is straight forward. Options: Settings- tick both recycle bin options, secure deletions, the 35 pass option, wipe streams and tips, all wipe f-s drives, and wipe mft free space, (which is V. IMPORTANT). Cookies- keep your choice. Its worth clicking every page on your browser favourites first. Include- (only available if you ticked the custom files and folders in advanced). I've created a file in downloads into which everything is downloaded. I have selected this folder with the add button and use the include files and subfolders option. EVERYTHING downloaded is then deleted when I shut-down if I haven't moved or copied it. [My choice - it may not be yours]. In Options: advanced- I have only the show prompt ticked. I don't keep rubbish or potentially incriminating files for 24 hours.
  I have a few other bits ticked as well but these are good safe settings.

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