Protecting your privacy and keeping your hard disk cleaned at all times is an important task that should be done on a regular basis. One of the best, if not the best, freeware software program to get this done is the popular CCleaner.

What is it and what does it do

Main Functionality

The main purpose of CCleaner is to clean your PC of junk files and content, in the process improving stability and protecting your privacy.

Pros:

• Cleans privacy traces and junk files
• Supports all major browsers.
• Completes tasks relatively quickly
• Has a registry cleaner
• Easy to understand user interface
• Backs up registry before cleaning it
• Has secure deletion capabilities
• Has a basic uninstaller, basic startup manager, ability to remove System Restore points, and a secure disk wiper
• Has portable version

Cons:

• Main installer version comes bundled with crapware (there is a “slim” installer that doesn’t have the toolbar, but you have to dig around for it on CCleaner’s download page)

Discussion

CCleaner is one of the best, if not the best, privacy and junk file cleaners available. Not only is CCleaner filled with features related to this functionality but it easy to use and works quickly (although there are faster tools).

The “Cleaner” portion of CCleaner cleans junk files, usage traces (history, cookies, etc.), and similar things from various different programs including but not limited to Internet Explorer, Firefox, Chrome, Opera, and native Windows settings/features. It can even wipe already erased data. The “Registry” component cleans your register. The program doesn’t incorporates unnecessary features but still has the ability to be expandable using “plugins”, which allows CCleaner to clean more programs than are supported by default. (See CCEnhancer if you are interested in that.)

Supplementary features of CCleaner include a basic uninstaller (it is similar to Add/Remove Programs — nothing too advanced), the ability to use secure deletion algorithms with “Cleaner” (1, 3, 7, or 35 passes), a basic startup manager (enable/disable/delete startup processes and programs, Internet Explorer BHQs, and Task Scheduler things), the ability to remove individual System Restore points, and a disk wiper that allows you to securely wipe any partition or hard drive using 1, 3, 7, or 35 passes. There are also features to specify cookies that CCleaner will never delete when cleaning your computer, an “Include” list allowing you to tell CCleaner to always delete the contents of specific folders when cleaning, and an “Exclude” list telling CCleaner to ignore specific files, folders, and registry entries when cleaning.

The best part about CCleaner? It is reliable. Users won’t find many, if any, problems here because the program works and works really well.

Conclusion and download link

CCleaner is an excellent program and highly recommended by dotTech. This is a must have tool, not only for the purposes of protecting your privacy but also for removing the junk that tends to pile up on your computer after a long time of use.

Price: Free 

Version reviewed: 3.23.1823

Supported OS: Windows  XP, Windows Vista, Windows 7, Windows 8

Download size: 3.75MB

Virustotal Malware scan results: 0/42

Portability? Has a portable version

CCleaner homepage | Direct download portable version