• Last modified: 6 August 2013 17:18:21

Introduction

Discuss the creation of temporary files from working on documents and browsing the Internet, the vulnerabilities to privacy and security this can cause. In summary, or at the end of the session describe the difference between CCleaner actions and Windows File Cleaner. 

Trainer's notes: If there is sufficient time, trainers are advised to demonstrate both Ccleaner and Eraser. Should there only be time for one lesson, Ccleaner is preferred since it also performs data wiping and free space wipe.

Temporary files

Show the location of Windows, Internet Explorer and Office temporary files. View their content, including cookies and Internet cache. Demonstrate how temporary files are created.

Discuss and demonstrate existing methods for cleaning temporary files including the Windows 'Disk Cleanup' option, Firefox's 'Clear Private Data' and IE's possibilities for cache and cookies deletion.

Installation & Configuration

Standard installation. Select the required interface language and set the cleaning options to wipe.

Trainer's notes: Ccleaner can also be run as a portable version from a USB stick.

Using Ccleaner

Explain the categories to clean within the 'Windows' and 'Application' tabs. Ask the participants to select the desired (preferably all) options and to Analyse their disk. Examine the results of a scan and proceed to cleaning (wiping) the temporary files.

Trainer's notes: Make sure that the participants are not relying on their browser History, auto-fill and similar features, as these will be deleted. Inform them that the history of all their activity on this computer and the Internet will be wiped.

Note that a full scan may take a long time complete, especially on computers that have several years of temp files built up. You may want to schedule a coffee or lunch break in-between this module.

Advanced exercises

1. Discuss the Windows registry and its role in carrying information on current and past software installed.
2. Scan the registry for errors and clean
3. Display the Tools section of Ccleaner and discuss its applicability in obfuscation of installed software.
4. Work with the Ccleaner Explorer menu, including the Recycle Bin