Disk space usage largely depends on how you use the computer. If you primarily use it to store videos, audio files or lots of pictures then it will fill up faster than expected. This happens to all users no matter how experienced you are – mostly due to human nature. We try to ’save a copy’ of everything that we like - on top of that we also prefer to backup all our copies. As content is being duplicated disk space is being used up at a linear rate. Apply this view to a community and disk usage will grow exponentially.

The best way to clear disk space is to delete unnecessary files, directories, uninstall programs no longer used. This comes quite easily to the tech-savvy but not so easily to the average user. Moreover in Windows there are still a lot of hidden locations that most users fail to cleanse such as temp directories, temporary application data, unused registry data just to name a few. Deleting these files manually can be tedious and dangerous (especially registry). One fatal mistake in the registry can lead to computer crash and/or boot problems. But have no fear! There are tons of software utilities out there to make everyone’s life a lot easier.

CCleaner is a very effectively tool in deleting unnecessary files folders and hidden items. It can be downloaded directly from their site. Detailed tour and installation info can be also be found there.
Cleans the following:

• Internet Explorer - Temporary files, URL history, cookies, Autocomplete form history, index.dat.
• Firefox - Temporary files, URL history, cookies, download history.
• Opera - Temporary files, URL history, cookies.
• Windows - Recycle Bin, Recent Documents, Temporary files and Log files.
• Registry cleaner - Advanced features to remove unused and old entries, including File Extensions, ActiveX Controls, ClassIDs, ProgIDs, Uninstallers, Shared DLLs, Fonts, Help Files, Application Paths, Icons, Invalid Shortcuts and more… also comes with a comprehensive backup feature.
• Third-party applications - Removes temp files and recent file lists (MRUs) from many apps including Media Player, eMule, Kazaa, Google Toolbar, Netscape, MS Office, Nero, Adobe Acrobat, WinRAR, WinAce, WinZip and many more…

If you think CCleaner is difficult to use check out the following video procedure. For a complete CCleaner review check out the TeqEdge article on CCleaner.

CCleaner Review - A funny movie is a click away

Windows Disk Cleaner is a built-in windows utility & is another safe & easy way to clear disk usage. It resides under the Accessories -> System Tools folder on the start menu. It will help you clean up some but not all files. When you run Disk Cleanup tool it will scan the disk for files that can be deleted. Depending on the size of your disk this process might take a few minutes.

Following this scan the Disk Cleanup will tell you how much space you can recover by deleting the selected files. Select the locations that you would like to clear and click OK.

Defragmenting the hard disk is another way to clean up some space and increase performance. It might sound difficult and complicated but I assure you it is very straightforward. If you would like to know more or for a step by step tutorial see TeqEdge article showing how to defrag the hard disk in greater detail.

Feel free to visit tips to How to Clean Disk Space and more on TeqEdge.com

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