Column: http://www.freesoftwaremagazine.com/blog/37372

Free Software Magazine was the first publication for which I had an editor. The story of how I came to write for them is rather long. In July 2006, I sent in a proposal for cleaning Windows XP. I really didn't understand what "free" in Free Software Magazine meant (it means free to look at the code, redistribute, sell, etc). Here's the actual email:

Target:

All (Bill Gates to a 70 year old using AOL dial-up).

Aim:

To give the user a step-by-step analysis of how to clean a WinXP hard drive. Aftert this, any user will be able to free up varying amounts of space (depending on size of HD).

Abstract:

Today, especially after Boot Camp, the majority of computer users have Windows XP. However, Windows PCs often have tons of unneeded, used space on them (particularly if you have more than the usual amount of programs on them). It's very easy to get rid of this, but most people never actually do. The reason is that they have no idea how to, or they think that to do so they require paying hundreds of dollars for an IT specialist to come out. In reality, this is not needed. You can easily clean your hard drive space for free. Anyone can do it.

Outline: Problem: Disk space on Win PCs

- Main points of the problem

Explains how you can free up disk space.
Explains why this can be important (virtual memory, save money on external hds, ect.)
Explains anyonme can do it - for free.

- Fix

Downloads CCLeaner and WinDirStat.
Does, in order:

Disk Cleanup
CCleaner
Deleting Word Temp Files
WinDirStat
PUPs (Potentially Unwanted Programs, aka Spyware/Adware/Malware/ Viruses)
Disk Defrag

Conclusion Explains how often to do for.
References useful, related articles.

Tony Mobily (the editor-in-chief) wrote back:

Hi,

Quick question: a part from Windows XP, is _ALL_ of the software you mention in the article released under the GPL or similar? (NO freeware)

Since it covers XP, I need to check with Dave. We have a policy against articles that focus on proprietary platforms!

Merc.

After telling Tony that WinDirStat was really the only OSS piece of software, Tony wrote back:

Hi,

Sorry... I talked to the other editors, and an article that focuses on Windows just doesn't seem to fit in our magazine...

Thanks a million for your proposal!

Merc.

About a year later, after I had installed Kubuntu Linux, I decided to write to Tony again. This time I asked if I could do an article on how to dual-boot Kubuntu and Windows XP. And this time, he thought it was a fantastic idea.

From then on, I became a regular at FSM. I now co-author the tips&tricks column, am writing a series on instant messengers, and weekly write at my blog.