Software Review of:
Norton CleanSweep
2001 

I believe the broom (floor sweeping tool) on the product cover was carefully chosen. To me it signifies the product can "sweep" away Internet debris (left after "surfing the Net"), "sweep" away unneeded files, and "sweep" away unwanted software applications. It can help restore a computer to optimal performance levels - making it once again a "c" worthy item (a "computer" worthy of the performance level touted when it was initially purchased).

Rising Internet Use Demands Cleanup Tool
Growth in Internet use is well publicized and documented. More family targeted publications and other sources of mainstream information are choosing the Internet as their preferred delivery vehicle, indicating a growing Web presence in homes. As a result, more people are entering the "online" consumer market place every day. That means increased exposure to more and more Viruses, Hackers, Prying Eyes that track Internet surfing and buying habits, E-Mail Address Gatherers, and the many other ways people are using Internet related technology to obtain more and more personal information. Some of the exposure can be destructive, but most is designed to just gather information.

More and more Internet sites intentionally leave behind small files, called "cookies," that contain login or registration information, or that gather valuable information on the user - habits, interests, spending patterns, Internet activities, etc. Some cookies also gather information from browser site histories and/or personal cache items. That is why you need to consider "covering your Internet tracks." Norton CleanSweep can help.

The Program
Regular Internet use, even simply visiting Web sites, often results in a PC's degraded performance through forced files ? Cookies; Browser history and cache; graphics; sound files; browser plugins and ActiveX controls that take up HD space and open the way for those who want access to computer. (CleanSweep can alert when ActiveX controls are being installed.) Many of these files are used only once, but take up HD space until deleted.

CleanSweep can remove a wider array of files than any other product ? temps, Windows Recycle Bin, lost clusters, duplicates, programs no longer wanted or needed, incomplete uninstalls, invalid and unused entries in the Windows Registry (after first attempting to reconnect orphaned shortcuts), etc. And, it can protect from deleting anything important ? vital data files, drivers and settings that Windows needs to run properly.

If the HD is so full there's no room to install CleanSweep, not to worry, it can initially be run from the CD to free up space. Once installed, CleanSweep runs continuously in the background, monitoring new software as it installs, and permitting users to roll back installations that fail and remove trial software or applications that are no longer needed. It also allows for immediate or scheduled deletions. But the program is capable of even more. And, it is up to you whether the automated features "do their thing" or you retain control of the operation.

Installation and Use
CleanSweep is easy to use. It includes wizards that enable users to easily clean up programs by following step-by-step instructions. Once installed, you will see a Graphical User Interface (GUI) with menu. Across the top is LiveUpdate, Options and Help (these appear on each GUI window selected). LiveUpdate is configurable and can be set to check for updates to CleanSweep. You decide which updates you want to install. The Options area allows configurations for Sweeps ? Safety, Smart/Internet, Backup/Restore and View. Help, as in most programs, is an indexed functions list.

Down the left side are the four GUIs which can be selected. Once a GUI is chosen, selectable wizards appear to the right. Each wizard will then guide the user, step by step, in the operation to be performed to give the user confidence in doing the job right the first time. The available GUIs and the associated wizards (some with wizard in the name and some without, so I did not include it), plus a brief explanation of each, are as follows:

• Cleanup: 
• Uninstall 

programs no longer needed. Compares a database of more than 1000 programs, updated constantly by Symantec so it can remove applications that were installed prior to the installation of CleanSweep. Also monitors programs as they install for clean removal.
• Fast & Safe Cleanup 

deletes clutter - Recycle bin, lost cluster files, etc.
• Restore 

Restores from a created backup
• Internet: 
• Internet Uninstall

Removes downloaded programs when user no longer needs them.
• Internet Cache Cleanup

Cleans browser cache.
• Cookie Cleanup

Deletes cookies.
• Plug-in Cleanup

Removes plug-ins.
• ActiveX Cleanup

Removes ActiveX Controls.
• Programs: 
• Archive

Uninstalls and compresses programs with configurations.
• Backup

Creates a single compressed backup of a program.
• Move

Locates a program to another folder or drive.
• Transport

Copies a program intact to another computer.
• Advanced: 
• Registry Sweep 

Removes invalid and unused registry keys.
• Duplicate File Finder 

Finds duplicate files by criteria specified.
• Redundant DLL Finder 

Locates and removes DLL and VBX files.
• Unused File Type Finder 

Finds files based on a database of categories in the program or user created.
• Orphaned Finder 

Finds files left by programs no longer installed - not on start menu.

The Norton Safe, which can be added to the Windows desktop, secures important file types against automatic deletion. This technology allows users to denote specific file types which, when deleted, will go into the Norton Safe rather than the Recycle Bin. Safety Sweep prevents the Cleanup Finders from deleting any files that have been marked for protection. It also retains a list of files that are protected against deletion, and automatically backs up items it deletes. 

My Comments
CleanSweep was originally introduced by Quarterdeck Corporation in 1994. Symantec acquired Quarterdeck and CleanSweep 4.0 in December 1998 (another "race horse" in their stable of thoroughbred programs CNET's favorite 4/00, PC World Best Buy 8/99 & 2/00, Best Buy 1998 in PC Magazine 1/99). Since 12/98, the company has introduced three versions 4.5, 2000 and 2001.

CleanSweep is quite effective and fast at targeting specific files related to Internet use. It can quickly and easily remove Internet tracking data from your computer, and help stop anyone from "snooping." I would recommend it to anyone who visits a lot of Web sites, particularly those that are commercial in nature, or where forms are filled out. The program should give the user an added sense of privacy and security. In my opinion, it is a program worthy of consideration, especially since it carries the Symantec and Norton name.

System Requirements
Windows 95 B/98/ME/NT 4.0/2000 Pro; 100 MHz? processor (133 MHz? for 2000 Pro); 32 MB RAM (64 MB for 2000 Pro); 18 MB disk space; CD-ROM drive; Mouse.

Company Information & Pricing

Symantec Corporation (Founded 1982)
20330 Stevens Creek Blvd.
Cupertino, CA 95014
(408) 253-9600, Fax 253-3968 or 446-8152;