The below products are used by WMU departmental LAN managers. This list is provided as an aid in making a decision that best matches your specific need. Inclusion here does not indicate an endorsement by Western Michigan University or the Office of Information Technology.
Windows
Most software products come with specific instructions, some with an easy-to-use wizard interface. See also: erasing data from your hard drive.
- BC Wipe: Windows, including Vista, Linus and Unix
- Eraser: Windowx XP and earlier; Removes sensitive data from a hard drive by overwriting it multiple times with selected patterns.
- KillDisk: Windows (all), Linux, and Unix for PC; Conforms to DoD sanitizing standards and uses Gutmann's data destruction method.
Macintosh
Macintosh computer hard drives can be cleared by zeroing their data. Note that zeroing data (low level format) may take a long time, depending on the hard drive size. It is recommended to use the "8-way random" feature in conjunction with the "zero all data" option. See also:
- Mac OS x: How to zero all data on a disk
- Mac OS X disk utility: Securely erasing a disk
- ShredIt X -5.8.3: Mac OS X or later; File shredder and hard drive cleaner.
Unix/Linux/Solaris
- Secure Erase
- Unix secure file deletions
- Wipe: Linux and Unix; Uses Gutmann's erase patterns, erasing single files and accompanying metadata or entire disks.