PC CLEANERS
Best program: Ccleaner www.piriform.com/ccleaner Latest major version: 5.0
It doesn’t take long for a new computer to slow down as it fills up with temporary files, caches, log files and the other daily detritus of a PC user’s life. Ccleaner is still the most powerful program for clearing this clutter. At 13 years old it’s positively senior in software terms, but its maker Piriform constantly adds features to keep it ahead of younger rivals.
Recent additions to its armoury include support for removing Windows 10 apps (click Tools, then scroll down the Uninstall list) and Firefox extensions (click Tools, Browser Plugins, then Firefox), and there’s a steady stream of new tick boxes on the Windows and Applications lists.
Make sure you get Ccleaner Free, and not the free trial. Click Download Free Version, then Free Download, and then the Download button in the Free column. Alternatively, use the free portable version ( www.piriform.com/ccleaner/ builds).
Best hidden tools
Ccleaner has a secure cleaning option that overwrites data while it’s being deleted. This slows down the cleaning process but ensures your old data can never be read by hackers and snoopers. Click Options, Settings, then ‘Secure file deletion’.
Another great hidden feature is actually a separate program – the Ccleaner plug-in Ccenhancer ( www.snipca. com/24005). This free, portable tool adds dozens more tickboxes to Ccleaner’s Applications list, such as Skype Temporary Files, Windows Media Player Databases and even Ccleaner itself (see screenshot far left). Extra options are marked with an asterisk, and none are pre-ticked.
Also try: System Ninja www.snipca.com/23018
Ccenhancer’s creator also makes this nimble Pc-cleaning tool. It includes a Duplicate Finder (see screenshot left) that, unlike many others, won’t hit you with hidden charges.
Don’t use: Wise Registry Cleaner
No matter how careful you are with this program’s installer, it will litter your PC with unwanted junk that keeps coming back.