Product Reviews

If, like us, you can't wait to try out every new application that comes along, your hard drive is probably full of programs and drivers that you no longer need or use. Dragging the main application to the trash is the most common way of getting rid of these, but it doesn't purge all the associated files.

AppZapper does a very good job of removing all the files that are installed with a specific application, but it costs $12.95. AppCleaner does the same job for free.

Not only is AppCleaner free but it's very elegant and does an excellent job. There are two ways to uninstall an application. The first is to drag it onto the

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wastebasket icon in AppCleaner's main window, the window then rotates and reveals the files and folders AppCleaner has found which are associated with that application. Each one has a checkbox next to it indicating that it will be deleted. You can elect to delete everything, specific files and folders, or types of file, such as the application itself, preferences, and application support. To delete, you hit the red 'x' at the bottom of the window.

The other method for purging applications is to press the Applications button on the main interface and a list of every application installed on your Mac is displayed. Check the ones you want rid of and hit the magnifying glass to find associated files.

In addition to getting rid of applications, AppCleaner can also remove Dashboard Widgets, preference panes, plug-ins, and screen savers. And you can elect to protect specific applications or sets of applications.

AppCleaner is an excellent solution to a common problem. The revolving interface window becomes tiresome quickly and makes it less convenient than it would otherwise be. However, other than that it's very good indeed, and as it costs nothing, there's every reason to download it and try it out.