Community poll forum: How often do you delete your temp Internet files & cookies?

I usually delete tmp files and cookies at least weekly. If I have used the Net heavily, I ofyen do a clean up right after a session.

I use both Mozilla Firefox and Internet Explorer, and use the cleanup tools provided in both programs. I also use free programs called RegClean and CCleaner. I also perform disk maintenance and disk cleanup using the tools included in Windows98 and Windows XP. I work as a consultant, and have found that many clients don't take the time to do these tasks, so I discovered several wys to automate them during a nightly backup or maintenance routines.

In Windows98, you can schedule disk maintenance including file deletions, a scandisk and defrag using the included tools under Programs>Accessories>System Tools>Mainteance Wizard. The wizrd allows you to schedule these maintenance tasks on any schedule.

Windows 2000 and Windows XP do not have the Maintenance Wizard (at least that I can find), so my solution is to put calls to these programs in a batch or cmd file, and then schedule that command file to run using the built in scheduler in those operating systems. Various maintenance programs can run automatically using switches built into the program. To view the switches available for any program, type the program name, a space and thecharacters /?. You can also find information about these command line switches using the help function in Windows.

Finally, I use Adaware and SpyBot Search and Destroy on a regular basis as well. Both are free programs and are updated regularly. I have used both programs to clean infected computers that were seriously crippled. They have saved many a 'wipe and reload'.

You can also turn off the cookie feature in your browser. This can be a hassle at some web sites, but will prevent you from acquiring these files in the first place. I have one client with several servers who is so serious about security that they stop doing business with one of the common carrier trucking companies that required them to accept cookies. The carrier required that they turn on the ability to accept cookies and my client refused, costing the carrier thousands of dollars in freight business on a monthly basis. Some folks take security seriously!

sloss