Did you know that simply deleting a file wouldn't make it disappear forever? Even formatting your hard drive isn't enough to keep your information safe from a skilled computer sleuth.
If you're selling or recycling a computer, the best option is to wipe your computer's hard drive before writing blank data to it.
For Apple users, the operating system's restore disc can do this for you during the formatting. Simply choose the 7-pass erase option from the disk utility menu. The system will then write blank data to the hard drive seven times before reinstalling the operating system.
If Windows is your OS, then you'll need to take an extra step to write this blank data. There are several free programs like DBAN: Derek's Boot and Nuke and Secure Erase from the CMRR.
Novices may opt to use a paid program that will easily walk them through the process. There are several options including Kill Disk. If you decide to go this route, make sure it meets the Department of Defense's criteria for secure data.
Still looking for a place to recycle that computer -- click here.
Happy recycling!
