Cleaning /tmp?

[bub]

I searched but couldn't find what I wanted so....
I am more advanced with Windows than Linux, and I was wondering if I should clean the /tmp directory or if it cleans itself. I don't know why, but I looked at it today and started getting worried when I saw all of these weird name folders and files in there (names look like random numbers and letters)................

[w5set]

well--if it bothers you there is a way (and if weird stuff starts happening too and you need it to stop)--from the command line

fixfiles relabel; reboot

answer yes to deleteing tmp files and let it run and then it will reboot and the tmp directory is cleaned/deleted and restored by the new bootup.
edit---misspelled relabel first time--sorry.

[bub]

Hmmm.... well I typed in fixfiles relabel; reboot but there wan't any option to type in yes. And after it finished rebooting, they were still there. Thanks for trying but..................

[w5set]

And they will always be there--hopefully!!
general place to keep temporary housekeeping stuff that changes from boot to boot.
It isn't broken.
Don't fix it.

[int80h]

1. boot into runlevel 3 (aka non-graphical mode)
2. type this command as root:
rm -rf /tmp/*
3. reboot

[markkuk]

The "tmpwatch" program will clean up your /tmp, you don't need to delete its contents manually.