How to Clear Up Unnecessary Files on a Linux PC

It's a fact of life that sooner or later your PC is going to become cluttered with old or unwanted files. If you're using Linux, the process is only a matter of choosing which free utility you want to use, downloading it and setting it in motion.

Step 1 Download one of the file cleaning programs from the website listed in the Resources section. If you download a KDE application, you may need to install additional files or dependencies. Choose a program that runs with your version of Linux.

Step 2 Install and run your file deletion program, and let it compile a list of files it believes are unnecessary. This may take awhile as the program searches through all of your directories.

Step 3 Review the list, making sure you won't be deleting files you need.

Step 4 Save a backup of all the files marked for deletion, just in case you want to restore them later. Most deletion programs give you the option of creating a compressed backup during the deletion process.

Step 5 Begin the deletion process. This could also take a while, depending on how many files you selected.