BleachBit is to Linux what CCleaner is to Windows when it comes to keeping your computer free of junk files, which unnecessarily occupy space on our hard drive. Originally it worked only for free software, but since the year 2009 support for other operating systems was released.
Its most recent version is 4.2.0, which adds functions for cleaning applications such as Zoom or Pale Moon, as well as correction of errors that were presented in previous editions.
To get the best out of this application, it should be configured correctly. Therefore, in this tutorial we are going to explain everything concerning BleachBit, answering questions about your use, features and functions main, the differences it has with CCleaner and we will place certain alternatives to optimize the performance of your PC.
What is BleachBit and what is this cleaning tool for Linux for?
Bleachbit is a free tool available to Linux and Windows that free up hard drive space. The cleanup it performs involves deleting temporary files, browsing history, downloads, cache, debug reports, cookies, and chat logs. On the other hand, also deletes unnecessary files of web browsers, multimedia players, office automation applications and communication programs, among many other tools found on your computer.
What are the most interesting features and functions of BleachBit?
BleachBit is a quick and easy solution when removing unnecessary data, but it also helps to take care of the privacy of the operating system you are using.
Some of its characteristics are detailed below:
- It is a free application and open source.
- It’s found available in more than 60 languages, including Spanish.
- Hide files that remove taking up hard disk space.
- Presents a portable version for Windows, so it can be used without being installed.
- For ease of use, anyone can run it.
- Do not install any additional bars to your web browser.
- Any programmer you can create a new cleaner based on XML.
- When the hard drive is fully occupied, BleachBit automatically frees up space.
- Once you do the cleaning, discard the files preventing them from being recovered from the computer.
- I know update frequently to introduce new features to your followers.
Learn step by step how to use BleachBit on your computer with Linux operating system like a pro
Many cleaners are available online to keep the hard drive optimal. BleachBit makes a difference adding in each update more products with whom you can work. Hence, it is important to learn to use it as an expert.
Here we are going to teach you two ways to do homework easily:
Delete temporary files
With this program we can clean practically everything on the computerThat is why we must take the necessary precautions when selecting the options so as not to eliminate things that we do not want.
A simple way to clean is as follows:
- Download the program from one of the repositories.
- If you are going to download it from the terminal, enter this code:
sudo apt-get install bleachbit - Once it is installed, you can start in normal mode or as administrator.
- The first time you use it you must perform some basic settings or leave it as it comes by default.
- After opening it, a series of items appears on the left side that you can scan for cleaning.
- On the right side It indicates the options that you have marked.
- Choose the ones you want to analyze and press the button “Clean up”.
- At that moment a warning will appear whether you are sure to perform this action.
- One time confirmed, the cleaning process begins, it may in some cases tell you that you do not have sufficient permissions, so you should run it like “root”.
- In a few minutes, you will have your computer clean and optimized.
Use from command console
This is another option to optimize the computer, not doing it from the graphical interface of the application but directly by typing commands in the terminal.
The steps you have to follow are the following:
-
Enter the terminal and type this code:
bleachbit –l - They appear in the window a series of options with which you can control which areas of your PC you do not want scanned.
- After you choose, enter this command:
bleachbit -c firefox* thunderbird.passwords - In this example we are cleaning the browser, but preventing passwords from being removed.
BleachBit vs CCleaner Which one is better to keep my Linux distribution 100% optimized?
In this case, we will dedicate this space to make a comparison table between BleachBit and CCleaner so that you are the one to decide which one you prefer. What is clear is that both do a wonderful job optimizing the computer.
We start with the differences:
- Regarding the size of the installer, BleachBit (at 11796 KB) is lighter than CCleaner (29786 KB).
- The user interface of Bleachbit It is classic and gives an explanation of the processes that you are going to eliminate while that of CCleaner is a little cooler and easier on the eyes, although it does not give details of the tasks.
- Regarding functionality, CCleaner detects a little more junk files and in less time, although the difference is only a few seconds.
- In your scan, BleachBit removes and destroys unwanted files, protect security, erase history, delete keys and registry data in Windows.
- For its part, CCleaner removes all unused files, maintains privacy and optimizes computer performance.
- CCleaner has some complementary functions that does not show BleachBit, such as finding duplicate files.
- BleachBit is free and open source; By CCleaner you have to cancel a license to run all functions. However, it has a free version with some limitations.
Depending on your needs, you can opt for either of the two cleaners. Both have particular characteristics that can cover the objective of your tasks.
These are the best alternative applications to BleachBit to optimize your computer with Linux
There are several free and open source alternatives to BleachBit that you can get if you are looking for a replacement. In the following lines we share five cleaners that will allow you to remove unwanted files from your computer.
Let’s see:
FSlint
This open source application is completely free and easy to use when scanning the system for junk files. Among other functions, removes duplicate documents, empty directories, bad links and temporary files from web browsers. FSlint allows you to automate some operations through scripts and can be downloaded through the package manager of your distribution.
Stacer System Cleaner
The graphical interface is one of the most striking aspects of this application that contains a resource monitor that provides information in real time as well as a system optimizer. Some tasks you can perform are clearing the cache of installed tools, uninstalling programs, and stopping certain operations to improve speed. To install it, it is also done through the application store.
Czkawka
Delete unnecessary files the computer is extremely simple with this tool, which is very fast and easy to use. Although it is cross-platform, it is free and open source. It stands out for looking for duplicate files according to the characteristics that are specified of the file and the same can be done with images or music. Each scan that is performed provides additional information and tasks can be automated without much protocol.
Sweeper
This cleaner is default for KDE and it leaves no trace of the activity carried out on a computer. It also protects privacy, reclaims disk space, and deletes browsing history. If you want to have it, use a manager compatible with your distribution.
Gcleaner
Like the rest of the cleaners we’ve described, it helps make your computer faster, safer, and more private. It is open source and very easy to use. Its interface is very similar to that of CCleaner and aims to take its place in Linux distributions.