Download of the day: CCleaner

sincity · November 26, 2014

CCleaner is a free Windows optimisation tool that blitzes clutter and unwanted files from your computer, leaving it in tip top condition and faster than ever.

Why you need it

If you've ever despaired at the slow speed of your computer, it could be time for a system clean out. That's because the more you use your PC, the more clutter it accumulates. Temporary internet files, cookies and redundant files can all clog your machine up and leave it running about as fast as a sloth in slo-mo.

That's where CCleaner comes in. This handy little program analyses problem areas and, with your permission, banishes files that have reduced your computer to a crawl. It's remarkably thorough and can delete gigabytes of unnecessary and unwanted files on its first run.

But don't worry, it's also particularly smart. It steers well clear of important system files, and avoids cookies that look like they contain login information (unless you say otherwise), so you won't have to type out your passwords all over again. It also shows you exactly what it plans on deleting before it starts, so you know what to expect once you set it on its way.

Key features

Works on: PC, Mac

Versions: Free, Professional (£19.95 p/a), Professional Plus (£29.95 p/a limited offer, usually £69.95 p/a)

Registry cleaner: Can remove unused registry entries including File Extensions, ActiveX Controls, ClassIDs, ProgIDs, Uninstallers, Shared DLLs, Fonts, Help Files, Application Paths, Icons, Invalid Shortcuts

Browser cleaner: Can remove temporary internet files, history, cookies, super cookies, download history and form history, plus index.dat files from Internet Explorer

Windows cleaner: Recycle Bin, Recent Documents, Temporary files, Log files, Clipboard, DNS Cache, Error Reporting, Memory Dumps, Jump Lists

Third party programs: Can also clean numerous third party programs, including Windows Media Player, eMule, Google Toolbar, Microsoft Office, Nero, Adobe Acrobat, WinRAR and more