How to manage sidebar block

<remove name="cart_sidebar"/>
<remove name="right.permanent.callout"/>
<remove name="right.poll"/>
<remove name="paypal.partner.right.logo"/>
<remove name="catalog.product.related"/>
<remove name="catalog.compare.sidebar"/>
<remove name="checkout.cart.coupon"/>
<remove name="checkout.progress"/>

<reference name="right">
    <remove name="cart_sidebar"/>
    <remove name="right.permanent.callout"/>
    <remove name="right.poll"/>
    <remove name="paypal.partner.right.logo"/>
    <remove name="catalog.product.related"/>
    <remove name="catalog.compare.sidebar"/>
    <remove name="checkout.cart.coupon"/>
    <remove name="checkout.progress"/>
</reference> 

http://magento.stackexchange.com/questions/44355/what-file-to-change-for-this-to-remove-compare-block  

create a local layout file at location app/design/frontend/[package]/[theme]/layout/local.xml

<?xml version="1.0"?>
<layout version="0.1.0">
    <customer_account>
        <remove name="catalog.compare.sidebar" />
    </customer_account>
</layout>

Turning On and Off Magento's Default Blocks