So how do you really send a file to hell? That is, how do you really delete a file so that there is no trace of the data?

If you really want to delete a file, and remove all traces of its data, you need to zap out the area where the file was stored. This is called zeroing out, mostly because some programs write zeros to all the sectors where the file was stored.

Some programs do even more: They write zeros and other random data again and again, over and over. I suppose this is the electronic equivalent of spraying a dirty counter with Formula 409 and then doing the same thing over again with Fantastik.

The issue of how to wipe out a file (or an entire storage device) really comes down to security: Unless you seriously delete a file, there are ways to get its data back, as covered in Wednesday’s blog post.

Security matters to some folks. A lot. I remember explaining to a government employee how they shouldn’t throw away their old laser printer toner cartridges. That’s because the last thing printed remains etched on the toner drum. The image could be pulled after throwing the cartridge away, so — don’t throw it away!

Anyway.

There’s a good article on Gizmodo about the various means and techniques for completely wiping out a file or drive. You can read it here.

I’ve never really used such drastic means for wiping out a file. I suppose I’m lucky; it’s only me in my office and there’s really no security risk. But in a more sensitive environment, I can see how being able to completely wipe out a file would come in hand, and be completely necessary.