We are constantly reminded of the importance of recycling. Use in the field of ICT, the recycling of computer equipment are for educational and charitable organizations. It is also damaging for the former owner. Charities such as Computer Aid International Refurbish computers are not for reuse in various fields such as education, health and other non-profit organizations to assist countries in the developing world. It seems that Computer Aid International'Clean' each disk is the good news, as hopefully some assurance that the data can not be retrieved provides.

However, it is doubtful that implements the "average" users of the risks by selling their old computer to sites like eBay involved. You can use all the files, re-install the operating system (OS) can format and erase their hard drives, but data can reside on your hard disk, usually the unallocated space. The data may be fragmentsPresence, in bad faith in the hands of criminals could be used, which could, in fact, the data from any source, that is, any electronic device used in bad faith. Dispose of computer equipment, without the assistance could lead to irreparable, financial, political and personal damage to the owner or organization.

A recent study conducted at the University of Glamorgan (source: Time Online) showed that over 50% of the 111 hard drives purchased contained personal and confidential information. About87% of units purchased on eBay. That, I believe, is an international problem. The basic concept of eBay and other online auction site brings together providers and individuals with on-line, creating a global market. While this is beneficial to legitimate users, but we run the risk of delivery of our personal information to terrorists, pedophiles and corrupt organizations, not to mention the danger, threatened or blackmailed.

So the question is- What is the best method for deleting data from our hard drives, and to protect ourselves from these threats? Taking into account the economic, the confidentiality of data and environmental factors, I will discuss the various possibilities of public and private sectors.

What are the options for software?

In general, you can choose between physically destroy the hardware or software or hardware used to delete data. There are many software products to offerTo destroy data destruction and security software vendors usually ',' your data. But is this enough? This approach is based on the user correctly install the software and implement the correct procedure. In most cases, a computer with one disk, but (for example, a program started and to achieve the desired '100% 'destruction of the results) usually requires an operating system be present. In other words, you need a second hard drive to run the softwareso that data can be canceled to go against undesirable. startup programs as alternatives to boot DBAN (Darik's and Nuke), which supports the "Delete the contents of the disc is recognized. Other software options include: Access to data -- WipeDrive Acronis - Drive Cleanser, CyberScrub - CyberCide and VCOM - SecureErase. These are only a small handful of applications available.

The software approach may incur costs, but some applicationsare probably free on the Internet. The downside, I feel for a software-based approach is the time. In general, 'hunting' are the data on every disk write sectors. The nature of the data depends on the demand, but these characters or numbers can contain. The process of adoption, digits, called "Flip tracks. Basically, a binary number, for example, 11110000 for each area will be writing the first" other "or a compliment, asnote is written. In this case, it 00,001,111 th

According to the studies used the opinion that the United States Department of Defense, this approach with the executions of the case and, in particular, algorithms to destroy important data is not allowed. However, they suggest that the executions of 32 times in the class of a hard drive "sterilized." We must therefore examine the complications and factors such extremes. The reorganization is a record 32 times, then take a long timewaste of electricity, time and human resources courses and computer. This process could take days if not weeks, if there are hundreds of disks.

What are the hardware options?

The Diskmaster is an excellent example of how data can be destroyed by a hardware approach. And 'fast, efficient and you can use a predefined template, which should be written to disk. The Diskmaster is able to erase the disks in the Department of Defense standards.

However, once again, this approach veryYou need to clean a disk. The concept of the hard drive has not changed since 1950, when the data is 5 MB (mega byte) can be stored. Now we are in a time when 750 millimeters GB (Giga Byte) is stored on a single disk. This inevitably means to destroy a hard disk, either with software or hardware-based approaches will increase over time, cost, and therefore for your patience.

There are other options?

I think it is the physical destruction of the fastest andsimpler approach. Limit to remove the top plate of a disk drive, the chances of recovering the data by dust and other contaminants that the hard disk (where data is stored). Physically scoring lines or holes in the plate hopefully destroy data beyond any reasonable doubt.

The concept of shredding paper to deter criminals such as bank statements or invoices printed for identity theft and fraud has now beenbe taken to the next level. Now available is an industrial tape and hard disk shredder. If you search Google for "GSA Industrial Tape and Hard Drive Destroyer 380/500" experience of the future, when it comes to destroying data.

This powerful machine, which would not be beneficial for the home user, every large company that has been central to the destruction of data, to adjust their electronic properties. With this machine would retrieve datavirtually impossible. I can not imagine a point in the future where we will be able to reconstruct the data from the chaff.

Obviously, this method means that a user can not resell their hard drive. However, while the costs for hard drives every year, the cost of a separate hard disk really a problem?

In conclusion, the usefulness of the software or hardware approach: draw the reusability and the possibility of someMoney. The disadvantages would be involved in "risk", focusing on software or hardware to completely destroy your data. Another disadvantage is the time and costs, including electricity and human resources.

The main advantage of using a hard drive crushing that the complete destruction is observed at 100%. The destruction can be as little as 30 seconds. The main disadvantage is that these machines are not currently widely available. SinceHard drives can not be reused, not an ecological approach. The last disadvantage is that outweigh the costs associated with a software approach.

My conclusion to this article would be if you are urgently concerned about the data on magnetic media in the wrong hands, the options considered to annihilate physically for the media.

See Also : Sony Blu-ray Disc Players wireless routers