What is the purpose of data cleanup?

Answer 1

The primary purpose of cleaning up data is to free up storage space. Computers often acquire a number of files that, over time, are no longer necessary to the operation of the system or of any value to the users on the system. When this point occurs, the data can be safely removed. As data builds up, the computer starts to run out of resources, and must eventually be cleaned up to improve performance and make it easier for users to find the files they are looking for.

Cleaning up data can also be of benefit when users notice that it is simply too difficult to find the files they are looking for. Preemptively cleaning up data can avoid the slowdown associated with neglecting the task for a significant period of time. The longer that data cleanup is put off, the longer it will take to perform, and the slower the system will operate until this is done. Data cleanup for computers is roughly the equivalent of performing regular oil changes on a vehicle or maintaining the strings on a music instrument.