If you have an older computer that you would like to donate or sell, you want to first use a file eraser to permanently remove any information stored on that computer’s hard drive. Simple deletion of files does not remove the content those files held. File deletion merely removes the file name and marks the space of the file available for new information. This means that should you donate or sell an older computer the next owner can easily take a basic data recovery program and restore all of your private information. In business situations this could amount to hundreds of credit card numbers. On a personal level it could involve private correspondence and medical records.

There are available powerful tools to erase files that randomly overwrite the embedded data. This process effectively scrambles any binary code. Any time you plan on disposing of a used computer you should use a file eraser or shredder program on that hard drive. You can also use your file eraser program to permanently erase private files and records on your PC so that you have the peace of mind of knowing that no one can ever see your private information.