I too second the use of CCleaner, it usually deletes most cookie-type spyware and other junk before my Spyware proggy gets it. Very good freeware.

Don't forget to deselect the optional Yahoo toolbar when installing though , the latest versions of Ccleaner have that bundled with them now..

Ugh, Toolbars! I reccomend avoiding toolbars at al casts if you're using Firefox as it includes a toolbar for searching most popular search engines. Additional ones really do nothing but take up valuable diskspace.

As far as running Ccleaner and Cleanup!, I wouldn't run those everyday as they tend to wipe out your saved passwords. Unless of course you are on a shared computer and /or don't allow sites to remember such info. I'ts good to clean that stuff up though before a defrag or if you're machine is running slower than usual.

I generally run a complete maintenance routine every week or two. In that amount of time my PC starts to lag noticeably and the maintenance gives me noticeable results.

As for backing up your info, a good rule of thumb is: if you can't afford to lose it or can't replace it online, get a copy on permanent media (CD/DVD/Tape Drive etc. and you should be ok.

patricia, new poster, i find that using webroot window washer keeps my pc running smoothly and defrag at least once a month,

nice little guide, Thanks

I will third the use of CC Cleaner. It is an extremely useful piece of freeware. Cleans up un-needed files on your hard disc and your PC starts to run faster.

I was planning on making an ms-dos batch file for these..do you know the command-line commands for these?

I'm asking this so that it can automate in the middle of the night while I'm sleeping, without me having to click buttons or anything (I don't want to wake up for this lol)

Any help is appreceated
--
Rohan