Actual Data Deletion
Let me start by saying that that when you use the delete option to send something to the recycle bin and then empty that bin, the only data that is actually gotten rid of is the reference to that data file. The data held within that file is still there and can be found using various downloads and in the case of older operating systems (o/s) it can be found by using the find option.
This can prove to be troubling in the event that personal access is gained to your PC by anyone with malicious intent. If you have ever simply deleted files that contain personal or financial data, the information can be retrieved.
People upgrade their computers on a regular basis. The old PC's are sold, given away or donated to charity. There is no way of knowing ultimately where your old PC will end up. Or in whose hands. Of course, you, being the security conscience individual will delete any files that you wouldn't want anyone else to have and then put your PC in a box. You have just given away all the information you have worked so hard to secure.
There are better ways of completely getting rid of unneeded or wanted data files and when used regularly, you will find that your PC's performance is enhanced to optimum speed.
As a general rule, there are files hidden in your o/s that are not needed. These files contain logs of your internet surfing activities and are of no notable use to the average surfer. In fact the data stored here does little more than to take up needed memory space.
You can find and rid your PC of these data files by using the Disk Cleanup utility, just follow the directions below.
As always, begin with the Start button located in the lower left hand of your screen.
Scroll up and click on the run tab. When the new window appears, type in cleanmgr.exe and press OK.
A new window will appear. Scroll down to the drive you wish to clean and press OK.
Another new window will appear. You can view the files you are about to erase if you would care to. Then press OK.
Congratulations you have successfully rid you PC of unneeded and unwanted files and freed up some drive space on your PC. It is that simple.
Now that you have accomplished that much, you might consider downloading a file wiping utility to permanently rid your PC of any files you would like.
File wiping utilities differ from the 'delete' option in that when you choose to 'delete' a file, these utilities not only take away the reference to that file, but overwrite the data in that file until it becomes irretrievable. Once overwritten, these files can then be used as free memory space again. When used properly and regularly, the benefits to using these utilities are multiple.
1.) The data held in any files that you wish to delete will become irretrievable.
2.)These overwritten files will free up memory space in your hard drive.
3.) These utilities can also be used to wipe the free space on your hard drive and in your swap file, thus eliminating 'virtual memory' files that are not needed and do little more than take up memory space.
4.) Some of these utilities can be configured to run independently on start up or shut down, thus freeing your time up to do other things.
5.) Some of these utilities will also clean up all the history files you generate when surfing the web as well, doing this will make some of these utilities a set and forget process.
6.) Running these programs regularly will keep your PC running at maximum efficiency.
What is a swap file?
The Windows o/s swap file stores copies of whatever images you are viewing and the documents you are presently working on in a sort of 'virtual memory'. This is essentially another copy of data files that you didn't know existed and in some cases can be exploited to retrieve your personal data.
But a wiping utility will erase the swap files contents, right?
Yes, but doing so will require that you configure your settings. This is easily accomplished. Again, simply follow the steps listed below.
First, right click on the My Computer Icon usually located in the upper left hand corner of your monitor.
Scroll down and double click on properties.
When the new window appears, double click on the Performance Tab.
Click on the Virtual Memory button.
Click on the 'Let me specify my own virtual memory settings' button.
Next, enter 150 in both the Minimum: and Maximum fields and click OK.
A new window will appear advising you that in order to enable these new settings, your PC will have to be restarted. It will go on to ask you if you wish to restart your computer now. Click yes. You are done.
It should be noted that 150 will work for most people when disk wiping utilities are used regularly, if you should find yourself running low on memory, you may want to increase this number in both Minimum and Maximum.
