SOHOLogics

Clean Up and Speed Up Your PC Using Crap Cleaner

By: Christy Osborne

Does your computer move slower than the tortoise racing the hare? Learn to speed up your computer without sacrificing safety and quality with CCleaner!

Does your computer move slower than the tortoise racing the hare? Learn to speed up your computer without sacrificing safety and quality! Yes, in today’s world, you no longer have to take it slow to get the job done, instead, have the best of both worlds with quality and speed through CCleaner. Hopefully since our last newsletter which featured an article on Windows Defender, pop-up ads and other seedy Spyware tactics are a thing of the past! Now, let’s reclaim your computer by increasing its speed and protecting your privacy.

CCleaner makes your computer work economically, by running faster and freeing up hard disk space that is cluttered with unused files. Also, in an age where privacy is limited, it removes traces of your online activity like your internet history. Use this program, and your private information will NEVER be exploited or fall into the wrong hands. It’s VERY important for me to assure you that CCleaner DOES NOT remove any files that you need or use. And, as if it couldn’t get any better, CCleaner brings three valuable things to the table: it’s quick and easy to run, contains no Spyware or Adware, and best of all, its FREE!

However, in addition to the above, a versatile program like CCleaner removes so much more than just unwanted Internet files, it also discards:

CCleaner is compatible with Windows 95/98/NT4/ME/2000/XP/2003 and Windows Vista (Beta 2), however, this program has no versions for Mac or Linux. To download this freeware program, take a look below!

1. Open up your browser and go to: www.ccleaner.com
   Next, look for the “Download CCleaner” icon towards the bottom of the page.
   
   
   
   
2. Click the Alternative Download option. Your download will start in 5-10 seconds.
3. Select Save to Disk, save the file to your Desktop, and then click OK.
   
   
   
   
4. Select English for the language. Agree to the CCleaner License Agreement. Work through the Install Wizard. Make sure to click Finish to complete the install.

Now that you have installed CCleaner, it is time to run the program and remove the clutter on your PC. To do so, look at the following.

1. There are three different ways to open CCleaner:
   • Double-click the desktop icon
   • Click on Start, Programs, and then CCleaner
   • Right-click the Recycle Bin and selecting Open CCleaner...
   • Besides these fast and easy ways to open, there is a Run CCleaner option located on the Recycle Bin Menu. This allows you to run the program without any time consuming prompts. Please DO NOT use this option until you are familiar with the program.
   
   Once open, there are four icons located on the left menu. Looking cap-a-pie, they are:
   
   Cleaner
   As the primary feature of CCleaner, this icon allows you to optimize your system, by removing those unwanted temporary files that clutter your PC. Also, it removes traces of the websites opened with your browser and any files you open.
   
   Just a quick reminder: CCleaner ONLY removes files that are not needed. It knows which files you need and leaves them alone.
   
   Issues
   This icon analyzes where windows system settings are stored (the system’s registry), fixing any problems and inconsistencies that exist. Representing a more advanced setting, it also checks for old shortcuts in your start menu and on your desktop. Use this option with caution!
   
   Tools
   When you turn on your PC, this option manages installed programs and applications.
   
   Options
   The Options selections allows you to define how CCleaner runs.
   
   
2. Select the CCleaner option. Check and uncheck your desired cleaning options on the “Cleaner Settings” menu. If “Cookies” is unchecked, then, no Internet Explorer or Firefox cookies will be removed. (You also have the choice to keep specific cookies in the “Options” section.)
3. Select the Applications tab. This displays further cleaning options for third-party applications and newly added programs.
4. To run the CCleaner after personalizing its settings, click Run Cleaner.
5. Click Analyze to view the cleaning process.

One further suggestion:
Click the Options icon. This contains an option to run CCleaner at your computer’s startup. This option automatically runs CCleaner, saving you time and adding precious minutes to your time.