It is a common misconception that when you choose to delete a file, and empty the recycle bin, that file is permanently removed from your computer system. It is easy to see why this mistake is so often made. After all, once you choose to empty the recycle bin, you can no longer “see” the file anymore, leading to the presumption that it has vanished into the ether. What has actually occurred, however, is that your operating system (most likely a flavor of Microsoft Windows) has simply decided to “forget” about this file.Now eventually this file may be overwritten with a new file; in this case, the old file will truly have been erased. Yet, until that occurs, your old file remains on your machine and is subject to revival by any number of freely available file restoring software applications.
We realize that most individuals do not have extremely sensitive files upon their computer; consequently, the difference between an invisible file and a deleted file are negligible. Nonetheless, if you are ever in a situation in which you need to ensure that particular data is removed (perhaps, if you are going to give your computer away to a friend or relative) we recommend that you go download and install Eraser. Eraser is a small, free application which specializes in securely and permanently removing data from your computer, using a series of specialized algorithms.
So how does one use Eraser to completely delete a piece of data? We are glad you asked. Begin by loading up the program, clicking on the arrow next to “Erase Schedule”, and selecting “New Task”. Click on the “Add Data” button and select one of the options (you can choose to delete a file, all the files in a folder, or even all the files within the recycle bin); one completed, click the “ok” button. Make sure to repeat the above step for each piece of data you would like to delete. Once you have selected all of the appropriate files, click on the “ok” button to return to the main window. At this stage you should see a single row of information, corresponding to all of the files you would like to permanently and securely remove. When you are ready to get rid of the files simply right click on this row, and choose “Run Now”. At this stage Eraser will use a special algorithm and safely remove those files. At this stage it is best to right click on the row once more and select “Delete Task” so that you know it has been executed already.
There you have it, an easy way to remove sensitive information. Just be forewarned, information removed with Eraser is, for all intents and purposes, irretrievable. So be careful when using it! The last thing you want to do is delete critical information.
If you have any further questions about Eraser feel free to visit Computer Repair Vancouver where I touch on a whole host of computer topics, including how to repair an infected machine.
