Clean the Gunk from Your PC with CCleaner 2.0 (Windows)

Windows is a gunk magnet: The more you use it, the more it gets bogged down with the digital equivalent of dust bunnies. Fortunately, it's easy enough to clear out all that performance-sapping detritus: Just run CCleaner 2.0.

This mega-popular system tuner cleans out temp files, browser histories, the Windows Registry, and the like. The new version offers faster performance, a redesigned interface, and portability (meaning it can run from USB flash drives -- great if you're troubleshooting a co-worker's PC).

When you install it, make sure to uncheck the "Add CCleaner Yahoo Toolbar" option, a surprising and unfortunate addition to the program (browser toolbars are just another kind of gunk).

How does CCleaner 2.0 compare with nCleaner, a similar system-scrubbing utility? Truth be told, they're both great! And they're both free, so you come out a winner regardless of which one you choose. CCleaner works with all versions of Windows, from 98 to Vista.