Installing and Using BleachBit
Installation on Linux:
Open Terminal: Press Ctrl+Alt+T to open the terminal.
Update Package List: Run sudo apt-get update.
Install BleachBit: Execute sudo apt-get install bleachbit.
Launch BleachBit: Type bleachbit in the terminal or find it in your applications menu.
Using BleachBit:
Open BleachBit: Launch the application.
Select Items to Clean: Check the boxes for the items you want to clean (e.g., cache, cookies, internet history).
Preview: Click on the "Preview" button to see what will be deleted.
Clean: Click on the "Clean" button to remove the selected items.
Advanced Options: Use features like shredding files and wiping free disk space for enhanced security.
Using BleachBit: as sudo
You should use "sudo bleachbit" when you need to clean system-wide files and directories that require administrative privileges. Here are specific scenarios when to use sudo bleachbit:
Cleaning System Files: To delete system cache, logs, and temporary files that are not accessible to a regular user.
Removing Unused Localizations: To remove unnecessary language files and localizations stored in system directories.
Wiping Free Space: To securely wipe free disk space across the entire system, ensuring that deleted files cannot be recovered.
Deep Cleaning: To perform a more thorough cleaning of system directories and applications that require elevated permissions.
Comparison with CCleaner
BleachBit:
Open Source: Free and open-source software with transparent code.
Platforms: Available for Linux and Windows.
Privacy and Security: Strong emphasis on privacy with features like shredding files and wiping free disk space.
No Tracking: Does not include any telemetry or tracking.
Customization: Offers advanced options like vacuuming Firefox to improve performance.
CCleaner:
Commercial Software: Offers both free and paid versions with additional features in the Pro version.
Platforms: Available for Windows and macOS.
User-Friendly Interface: Easy-to-use interface suitable for non-technical users.
Performance Tools: Includes tools like software updater, driver updater, and real-time monitoring in the Pro version.
Privacy Concerns: Past issues with bundled software and privacy concerns.
Summary:
Cost: BleachBit is completely free and open-source, while CCleaner has a free version with limited features and a paid Pro version.
Platform Support: BleachBit supports Linux and Windows, whereas CCleaner supports Windows and macOS.
Privacy: BleachBit has a stronger focus on privacy and security, while CCleaner offers more user-friendly tools and additional features in its Pro version.