housekeeping (computing)

In computer programming, housekeeping can refer to either a standard entry or exit routine appended to a user-written block of code (such as a subroutine or function, sometimes as a function prologue and epilogue) at its entry and exit or to any other automated or manual software process whereby a computer is cleaned up after usage (e.g. freeing resources such as virtual memory). This might include such activities as removing or archiving logs that the system has made as a result of the users activities, or deletion of temporary files which may otherwise simply take up space. Housekeeping can be described as a necessary chore, required to perform a particular computer's normal activity but not necessarily part of the algorithm.[http://www.computerhope.com/jargon/h/housekee.htm "Housekeeping"], ComputerHope.Com. Accessed July 20, 2009 For cleaning up computer disk storage, utility software usually exists for this purpose such as data compression software - to "shrink" files and release disk space and defragmentation programs - to improve disk performance.[http://www.namastecafe.com/computer/housekeep.htm "Basic Computer Housekeeping Tips"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100804063043/http://www.namastecafe.com/computer/housekeep.htm|date=20100804}}. Accessed July 20, 2009