Many utilities have come through our labs, each claiming to clean and optimize the PC, fix registry problems and a host of other claims. But none provide the satisfying results of CCleaner, a freeware utility that removes unwanted temp files, detects and fixes registry problems, removes unwanted cookies and similar Internet tracing files, and helps remove software that may difficult to remove using the Control Panels Add/Remove applet. CCleaner even gives you full control over what kinds cleaning activity you want performed.

Piriform Ltd. has solid repuatation for providing quality software for free. And many of their other packages, such as Defragler and Recuva are reviewed elsewhere on PC Rebellion. CCleaner is one of Piriform’s tools we use frequently. Here is just a little of what this powerful utility does.

Cleaning Up After Sloppy Installers

Anytime you install software, the installer copies files to a temporary folder as it prepares to install the software. Many times, these installers leave behind some or all of these files. And when it comes time to uninstall software, not only are files left behind, the your system registry often retains traces of the registry keys used by the software. CCleaner removes these abandoned files and reg keys and allows your operating system to run better.

Cleaning Up After Nosey Websites

Cookies are good for the websites you want to remember you, like your favorite travel planning site, or the web portal you your local library. But some website put cookies on your computer who have no business keeping track of your activity. CCleaner finds these naughty code fragments and lets you pick the ones that stay and the ones destined for oblivion. And this feature works for all the latest Windows browsers.

Cleaning Up Your Usage History

Windows lets you keep track of your recent usage history as a convenience to allow you to pick up where you left off without scouring your documents folders or your websurfing favorites. But some people abuse Windows history tracking, and CCleaner gives you the tools to erase your webrowser history, recently edited documents, download locations and a host of other breadcrumbs you left behind.

Cleaning Up Broken Installer Entries

Many times, we’ve encountered a problem while installing or uninstalling software, only to discover there are entries still remaining in the Add/Remove Programs list that are either no longer functional or were already uninstalled. CCleaner tries to uninstall such programs and then gives you the tools to delete the entry from the Add/Remove list.

Cleaning Up How Your Computer Starts Up

The last feature we’ll mention here is one of our favorites. When your computer starts up, it automatically launches some programs giving you quick access to the software. But some of this software is often found to be a nucience and it soon becomes apparent there is no way to keep it from running when you boot up. CCleaner lets you disable any entries from the start up process and one you’re sure you no longer need the program to run on start up, to delete the program from the list of those that run on start up. This is really useful for those (hopefully) infrequent occasions where you are hunting down a trojan or other malicious program.

CCleaner is only available for Windows, and is one of the most powerful tools you can have in your utilities folder.

PC Reb

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