Tools to clear out duplicate files

Q: I have replaced computers several times over the years and have copied or moved many of my files to an external hard drive for safe keeping. In reviewing my backups I have found that I have multiple copies of the same files. Is there a way to safely search for and delete duplicates?

A: There are several tools on the market that are designed to scan files and folders and compare them to help weed out the duplicates.

For Windows I have used CloneSpy which is free and available from clonespy.com. I have also looked at Wise Duplicate Finder from wisecleaner.com, and while it is not free, I found the features and functionality a bit more userfriendly.

On the Mac side I have used Gemini 2 from macpaw.com which is a premiumpriced utility with a lot of great features and a very clean interface. Mac users might also want to look at Disk Drill from cleverfiles.com. While this application bills itself as a data recovery program, the free version of the software also offers a duplicate finder.

Just keep in mind that that these tools are not foolproof and while they can make the task of file cleanup a lot easier, they still require your attention as you go through the cleanup process.

Q: I see that Apple has released a new version of their operating system. I am hearing reports that this upgrade may not be something I want to install due to compatibility problems. I like to keep up to date so was wondering if you could clarify this for me.

A: MacOS 10.15, also known as Catalina, is one of the more dramatic version upgrades from Apple for its operating system.

What makes this one different than the last few is that Catalina is the first version of the MacOS that will not run 32-bit applications.

Houston Chronicle technology columnist Dwight Silverman calls this the 32-bitpocalypse and has written about it in his Techburger column which you can read at tinyurl.com/techburgercatalina.