>The iMac does not have the option of zeroing the data apparently so the >only option is to just erase the hard drive. There is not a secure >empty trash option on the iMac as it is only running 10.1 so I just >erased the hard drive and re-installed the OS.
I'm not 100% sure where it is in OS X, but in OS 9, in the Drive Setup util, you had to go to the Functions menu and choose Init Options. Then check off Zero All Data. I'm sure OS X has a similar option. Zeroing the data isn't only useful for more securely formatting the drive, but also for testing for bad blocks. If you have a suspect drive, you can Zero all data, and if it hits non writable blocks, it will error out. >Are you saying the secure empty trash is actually more secure than >erasing the drive ? Probably, unless you are using the Zero All Data option. Secure Empty Trash overwrites the data being deleted (I'm not sure what patterns it uses, but likely multiple passes of all zeros and probably one or more passes of random data). This data can still be recovered, but only by those that really want it back (a pro shop may be able to do it, same with the government). Your average user, with off the shelf tools will probably not be able to recover the files. >I was just curious as to how easy it is to retrieve files from an >erased hard drive. >From a regular Erase Drive as done from the Finder... trivial to recover that. In fact, most of the off the shelf tools will recover from that in the blink of an eye. If you do an Erase from the Disk Util (but do not choose to Zero the data), that is also trivial to recover from. In both instances, the data isn't being touched, the drive table is simply being deleted and a new blank one created. Tools like Disk Warrior are specifically designed to deal with that and recover the drive from it. If you choose to Zero the data, then it is much harder to recover from. Likely none of the off the shelf tools will be able to recover the data (however, a professional shop probably still can get to it). Secure Empty Trash may actually be MORE secure then a drive format with Zero All Data. I don't know how many passes of Zeros the format will do. One pass is my guess, and that isn't enough to be sure it is really gone (enough to stop regular tools however). Secure Empty Trash probably does multiple passes and so may actually be better then a format. -chris <http://www.mythtech.net> -- The iMac List is sponsored by <http://lowendmac.com/> and... Small Dog Electronics http://www.smalldog.com | Refurbished Drives | - Epson Stylus Color 580 Printers - new at $69 | & CDRWs on Sale! | Support Low End Mac <http://lowendmac.com/lists/support.html> iMac List info: <http://lowendmac.com/imac/list.shtml> --> AOL users, remove "mailto:"; Send list messages to: <mailto:[email protected]> To unsubscribe, email: <mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]> For digest mode, email: <mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Subscription questions: <mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Archive: <http://www.mail-archive.com/imac-list%40mail.maclaunch.com/> --------------------------------------------------------------- iPod Accessories for Less at 1-800-iPOD.COM Fast Delivery, Low Price, Good Deal www.1800ipod.com ---------------------------------------------------------------
