Empty folders and residual config cleaning

[Shane Fagan]

Binary package hint: computer-janitor

Computer janitor could clean up residual configuration files and blank folders in the home directory. I was just looking at the hidden files in the home directory and there was a lot of programs that weren't installed anymore. Like after the 7 or 8 months since my last fresh install of ubuntu a lot of rubbish builds up.
I could make a patch for this if none of the core devs wants to do this.

[to be removed (liw)]

Unfortunately, the rules of what is and is not safe to remove from people's home directories are much fuzzier than for packages, and the data is of much higher value (read: unique, possibly not backed up). Thus, Computer Janitor does not _yet_ do anything to the home directory, and until it can at least get the system level stuff done well and without causing problems, I think we should stay away from the home directory.

It is a good idea, though, and should definitely be done at some point.

[Shane Fagan (shanepatrickfagan)]

Maybe adding an option in preferences?
If you want I can write up something if no one else wants to try it.

[to be removed (liw)]

Like I said, I do not see that adding this to Computer Janitor is relevant right now. This might be re-visited after the karmic release.

[Carnë Draug (carandraug)]

What if there was a option to purge instead of just removing packages?