A question for my more tech-inclined friends...

[kellifer]

What's the best way to permanently delete the stuff off your computer? Is it one of the scramble programs that you can purchase and if so, has anyone had any good stuff from any of them available?

The one I've find is a freeware file 'shredder' - here.

Basically, while I would figure my work laptop will be just re-imaged and deployed or stuck in a cupboard never to see the light of day again, I can't *really* assume that's going to happen. Basically, I know someone with at least a little IT savvy can retrieve deleted files and I really want any writing I did on this computer (fannish and otherwise) completely gone. Not because it's naughty per se (I didn't really *do* that on this computer just for the sole reason that it really wasn't mine forever and ever) but I just... *makes helpless hands*

I just want to make sure, y'know?

Comments

[dhark-charlotte.livejournal.com]

Not sure about a free one, but System Mechanic is one that I use. You can set it to max overwrite when it deletes files.

'Incinerator' was a good one, not sure if you can get it free.

[kellifer-fic.livejournal.com]

Can either of those delete the "free" space to get rid of anything you've deleted in the past? That was a feature I thought was cool of the file shredder one...

[dhark-charlotte.livejournal.com]

A quick search brought up some interesting opinions. Some didn't think software could truly erase all data.

Would it cause a problem to overwrite and then reformat the drive before you turn it back in?

I'm far from expert, but if you found a prog that claims to do what you're wanting, I can only suggest doing a search on it first before installing.

Hopefully someone a bit more savvy will reply ;)

[kellifer-fic.livejournal.com]

I wouldn't necessarily need it gone so well that a forensic expert couldn't retrieve it - just enough that someone poking around wouldn't be bothered and would just reimage the thing.

As I said, nothing truly dodgy but you never know...

[cetpar.livejournal.com]

There are programs that will overwrite part or all of your computer's hard disk multitple times so that the data is not retrievable.

One free program that I've heard good things about is Eraser. I personally haven't used this yet as I have a similar program bundled with the (paid) Steganos Security Suite that I'm currently using. However, I've been looking to convert to all free programs soon, and this is the one I'm looking at.

[dhark-charlotte.livejournal.com]

That's the name I was trying to remember!!! Eraser! I used that on another system and loved it.

[cetpar.livejournal.com]

I've played around with the Eraser interface a little, as a portable version of it is offered as part of the PortableApps.com suite of applications (which are pretty cool--they offer a way to use public computers more safely/privately by running apps like Firefox and email from a USB key), but I haven't actually used it on my laptop. I've heard good reviews about it, but I'm glad to hear from someone who used it and liked it.

I really like Steganos Security Suite, too, but I'm trying to move to free and open-source security apps, so I'll probably switch to this.

[kellifer-fic.livejournal.com]

Well, I would definitely prefer to use something someone has used before so Eraser might be the go... as long as you can erase "free" space aswell...

[cetpar.livejournal.com]

According to this, Eraser does wipe unused/free space.

Are you planning to wipe the whole hard drive? I'm assuming not as it is a work computer. If you don't, you might consider a few other things. Granted this is probably going overboard as I agree that your IT probably wouldn't look at all of this, but better safe than sorry right?

1) Choose the option in Eraser to wipe the paging file at shut down or alternatively edit the registry to do the same thing, as it can contain sensitive data.

As an aside, I just looked up info on the paging file right before seeing your post because I just read reports about US Customs officials searching/seizing/copying info from personal laptops at the US border.

2) You might also want to download something like CCleaner as it might catch recent history files and other info used by third party applications and windows that Eraser might not get. (Again, not sure as I haven't really used Eraser.) I use CCleaner periodically as part of routine computer maintanance, and I like it.

[kellifer-fic.livejournal.com]

Cool... thanks!

I'm not too worried about deleting anything another person might need because they re-image the compys anyway so if they find I've deleted a program they'll just load from backup.

It's more likely it's going to just waste away in a cupboard here...

[sizequeen.livejournal.com]

Can't you put in the systen reboot disc and return the computer to the state in which you purchased it?

[kellifer-fic.livejournal.com]

It's a work computer so I didn't get the reboot disc - just handed to me already formatted etc... and I have to hand it back in...

[lyssie.livejournal.com]

Well, if you really want it gone, as my roommate says, when we're watching Forensic Files, burn the hard drive. ;)

[kellifer-fic.livejournal.com]

Hahahaa... I think my work might wonder where I put the harddrive when I return the thing!!

[lyssie.livejournal.com]

Heh.

In all honesty, she says (as the daughter of a guy who IS that scary IT person), that unless they have reason to believe you were doing something illegal with the computer, it's not worth their time to do any sort of scan to find stuff and piece it back together.

[kellifer-fic.livejournal.com]

I figured as much... I think I'm just being a wee bit sensitive and kind of crazily protective of my writing... :D

[rigel-7.livejournal.com]

I'll echo kheryn42 and recommend 'Eraser' as a permanent deleting utility. It uses Darik's Boot and Nuke to kill the harddrive (metaphorically :P) if you want to be that thorough.

Have fun!

[oxoniensis.livejournal.com]

Not really what you're looking for here, but I just learned of Ccleaner, which cleans your registry and temp files and all the junk that accumulates, and will do a 33 times pass over your recycle bin if you want! It's cleaned my PC up a treat, got it working much more smoothly. Handy for future reference. And it's free.

MP3

[(Anonymous)]

MP3s. Or whatever the file of your choice may be. I just copy them and recopy them and re-recopy them until the drive is full. *veg* Then I delete them secure in the knowledge that if anyone tries to restore my old files all they're going to find is about 3,000 copies of Sympathy for the Devil.


Gayle
Off to watch Mystery Spot fifteen more times. At least.