Securely delete files...

[Robert J. Hansen]

Faramir wrote:
> lets say I just want to avoid recovery software like "get data back"
> being able to recover a file. Is there a reliable way to do it
> without going to "extreme" solutions?

No.

> I have seen advices about using ccleaner, fileshredder, erase57, and
> other tools like those

For the most part, these tools exist to make people feel better about
doing something to make their data unrecoverable.  I am unaware of any
evidence either that they are effective, or that they are any better
than more commonplace solutions.

For a new drive, pick up full volume encryption software.  Don't let
anything get written to the disk that's not encrypted.  If someone wants
to recover your information later, I wish them luck.

For an existing drive, destroy it.  Just how much you need to destroy it
(a hammer to the drive platters, or thermiting the entire assembly) will
depend on just how well-financed your opponents are.

A while ago there was a decent article at _Computer World_, outlining
data destruction for non-technical types.  You may find it interesting.
 You can find it at the following (really long) URL, or just by going to
Google and entering "site:www.computerworld.com Hope data destruction".

http://www.computerworld.com/action/article.do?command=viewArticleBasic&taxonomyId=17&articleId=9016322&intsrc=hm_topic