I've recently read that Windows has a process called shellbags which not only maintains ones file-viewing preferences, but also keeps a detailed log in the registry of ones computer activity. Windows keeps track of every file you have ever opened. A shellbag record is created or updated whenever you open a folder, even if you make no changes or even delete it. It also logs every directory you look in and every USB device you connect.
My question is that apart from recording ones preferences, does the Linux system keep track of ones usage to the same or similar extent that Windows does?

Certainly breadcrumbs of past activity can be left behind by individual programs in numerous places, but for the most part I believe it fair to say that it will be incidental leakage of information rather than intentional logging.

For those who have something to hide, or are paranoid, or just privacy focussed, there are tools like bleachbit. Personally, I've never bothered using anything like that.