Without a doubt, CCleaner is consider one of the best file cleaner utilities around. Over the times, it has been updated to included many options and features, so make sure to take the time to read about them. CCleaner is freeware and is readily available at http://www.ccleaner.com/.

Following closely behind CCleaner would be Steven Gould’s CleanUP! This utility is effective and well designed, and should be considered if, for some reason, you just dislike CCleaner. Steven Gould’s CleanUP! can be found at http://cleanup.stevengould.org/

Something to complement file cleaning utilities is PC Decrapifier. PC Decrapifier is a utility to uninstall unwanted trialware and annoyances found in computers. If you’ve got a computer by any of the major OEM brands (sony, hp, dell…) then hit up the http://www.pcdecrapifier.com/ and get your computer cleaned up.

Scandisk

Scandisk is a Windows system tool to diagnose and repair computer files and directory structures. It also runs a scan of your hard drive to mark off bad sectors. Scandisk will help to speed up your computer enabling faster access to files and folder, and should any bad sector be detected, prepare yourself to replace the hard drive as soon as you can.

Open Windows Explorer and right click on the C: drive. Click on properties and select the tools tab and click the Error Checking button.

Disk Defragmenter

Disk Defragmenter is also a Windows system tool. Disk Defragmenter will optimize your computers’ performance by rewriting the data on you hard drive. Files store to the hard drive are broken apart so to ensure that you receive maximum storage space, but this causes the computer to slow down as it searches for all the peices of the file. Defragmenting you drive to ensures that files are written together on the hard drive.
Make sure you are not running any other programs

Click the Start button and go to Programs, Accessories, System Tools and select Disk Defragmenter.

Disk Clean up

The Windows system stores many temporary files, this is fine and all, but if these files are temporary, why is it taking up permanent space on your hard drive? These files may seem small and harmless, but unless you clean them out, they will start to grow in size over time and start to dampen your computer’s performance.

Click the Start button and go to Programs, Accessories, System Tools and select Disk Cleanup. A display of temporary files will pop up on the screen. Check on each box and click OK.

1. Always use the Windows Shut Down
   • Because windows will right information to the hard before shutting down, holding down the power button to do a hard shut down can cause errors causing windows to malfunction.




2. Backup all your data regularly
   • There’s a reason why data recovery costs so much. It is because companies know the importance of your data. Don’t get caught with your important files stuck in a dead hard drive. Hard drive prices have drop significantly so everyone should have at least one to two backups.




3. Perform Scandisk and Defragment regularly
   • Performing Scandisk monthly will keep your hard drive healthy, preventing crashes and keeping windows up and running. Dfragmenting your hard drive will get your computer running faster so you won’t feel like your computer is slowing down as you start loading your hard drive with files and programs.




4. Always keep your anti-virus up to date
   • If you access the internet in any way at all, make sure you have your anti-virus updated and working properly. Nothing sends your computer to the shop faster than viruses.




5. Keep all your software organized and ready when you need it
   • Looking for drivers for your computer is one of those painful things that you will need to deal with sooner or later. Always keep your cd’s together and organized so that you will have it when it comes time to use it.

The most common way to clean out computers is the use the air cans. These air cans do a good job of blowing out all the dust that accumulates in your computer. Be careful when using air cans and follow the instructions. Make sure the computer is power off and the power cable is unplug before you begin cleaning the computer. Do not shake the can, spray it upside down, or hold the trigger for long periods of time. These air cans work best when done in quick bursts. Use of spray cans will indiscriminately blow dust up in the air, so I would recommend you take your computer outside and face downwind so the dust don’t blow in your face. Covering your face is also recommended.

Some use vacuum to clean out their computer as well. But because vacuum generates a lot of static electricity, I don’t particularly recommend it. I limit my use of vacuum to keyboard, mouse, and other exterior surfaces that would not be influence by the static electricity. For everything else, I  would use air cans instead.

Limit the use of damp towels, or any other wipes (wet or dry) to the exterior only. Remember, water and electricity do not mix. Wiping the inside a computer with a towel can become dangerous as you might knock into things and damage them. Try keep contact to the interior of the computer to a minimal.