Over time, we tend to cram our hard disks with a whole host of files --- many of which are not needed anymore. It helps to do a periodic check --- say, every couple of months --- and get rid of the unnecessary clutter. Here’s how you do get rid of applications and documents that you no longer need (in our next tip we will tell you how to remove no-longer-needed backup and temporary files).
After you open your document and application folders, drag the icons of the documents you don’t need to the Recycle Bin (if you’re using a Mac, you drag them into the Trash). Then empty the recycle bin (a bin needs to emptied, right?). For removing unnecessary application programs, use an installer program. If you’re on Windows you can use the Add/remove control panel.
Get rid of backup and temporary files by taking all the files that begin with a tilde (~) or end with a TMP, and dump them into the Recycle Bin. Similarly, check all your folders for backup files (which end with BAK). You won’t need most of them, so send them into the Bin too. Now for the twist. DON’T empty the Bin, not yet. You have to ensure that you haven’t deleted a necessary system file. Check that by rebooting your PC. Open applications to ensure that they boot right, if you’ve deleted files from their folders. If you’re having problems, go into the recycle bin and return the files to where they originally belonged. If everything’s ok, empty the Bin.
Create more disk space by erasing setup files. If you download software from the Internet then your hard drive probably has some setup files you no longer need. As a routine every time you download and install anything wait a day or two to make sure the program is working properly, then delete any ZIP, setup, or install files. Check all your folders for such files and folders. For example, if you have downloaded and installed Internet Explorer 5, look for a folder named Windows Update Setup. This directory is probably taking up more than 10 MB of precious hard drive space. After making sure that IE5 is running properly you can safely delete this folder.
Memory Saving Tips for You
You can make more RAM available for use by your programs if you prevent programs starting up from the Startup folder, Registry or win.ini. For intermediate users:
• Open the win.ini file in Notepad
• Place a semicolon (;) at the start of all lines that begin with Load= or Run=
• Save (you can remove the semicolons later if you wish)
• Restart your computer
Install only the parts of software programs that you need.
Run only what you need to at any one time, as few programs as possible.
