How do I "erase" my computer

[SkyHawk]

As others have said - use DBAN with many, many passes - that is if you want to use the HD again.

If you don't want to use it again, (optionally still use DBAN if you can then) remove HD and take a drill with a good sized bit to it, making it look like a piece of swiss cheese when you are finished. Then take a sledge to it after that. There will usually be no pieces of platter left to retrieve data from - only a lot of dust.

[Tripper]

How do I "erase" my computer

I really wonder if those stating that you can't wipe data have ever recovered actual deleted files, or ever overwritten free space after a deleting files, then tried to recover overwritten files with any forensic tools...

Yes. On deleted files, yes on casually overwritten files, I've never attempted delete then wipe free space then recover, nor recovery of multi pass DoD type wipes, well not knowingly anyways.
Keep in mind, the data was recovered from the space shuttle hard drives, which burned.
If you have enough money, you can recover pretty much anything, most people shouldn't have to worry about hackers spending the time or the money to recover their bank account with $10k in it. Script kiddies don't have the money it would take, and most don't have the skills, so a simple single pass wipe or delete and overwrite free space should be sufficient, unless you got something serious to hide like your last name is snowden

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[gmbrdilos]

Do you spend a lot of time on Slashdot?

No.


Is this still a realistic return to store for refund scenario or, prevent the men in black from finding out my secret hideout in case UN helicopters come invading scenario? I am yet to hear of anyone going straight for forensic data recovery after unboxing their new computer.

[blazeaglory]

Use "eraser"...lol

[Gawernator]

Yes. On deleted files, yes on casually overwritten files, I've never attempted delete then wipe free space then recover, nor recovery of multi pass DoD type wipes, well not knowingly anyways.
Keep in mind, the data was recovered from the space shuttle hard drives, which burned.
If you have enough money, you can recover pretty much anything, most people shouldn't have to worry about hackers spending the time or the money to recover their bank account with $10k in it. Script kiddies don't have the money it would take, and most don't have the skills, so a simple single pass wipe or delete and overwrite free space should be sufficient, unless you got something serious to hide like your last name is snowden

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I lol'd