Common types of Junk

PUPS

Potentially unwanted program - in other words any software on your PC that installed either without you knowing or inadvertently by you while installing other software (see box on p53 for how to avoid this). Examples include unnecessary plug-ins, toolbars and browser hijackers.

Bloatware

Technically a form of PUP, this software comes pre-installed on new PCS. Trial versions of security software are the most common example, but Microsoft is often accused of automatically installing its own bloatware, such as Skype and Onedrive (see page 56 for more).

Temporary files

Many programs create temporary files to help them operate smoothly (for example, Word keeps a copy of the document you’re currently working on), but when no longer required, they’re just clogging up your hard drive (usually stored in the ‘Windows\temp’ directory).

Temporary internet files

Your browser will store copies of images, audio, video and other data associated with websites you visit. It will then use these files to load the website faster next time you visit it. Your browser will let you delete these files (in Chrome, press Ctrl+shift+delete then select what you want to delete), but you can also use programs like Ccleaner or Bleachbit (see page 52).

Cookies

These are small files created by your browser when you’re online. While some are useful (storing login information, for example), others are junk (those that monitor your web activity to target adverts at you). Your browser will include options to delete these, or you can use a dedicated cleaning tool (see above).