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08 Jan 09 Cleaning your Hardisk before sacking your old computer/laptop

If you have plans to donate the computer you have used for years to charity or to some one you know, it is worth taking the time to clean the hard disk before passing on your inheritance. This saves you the trouble of having to worry about personal information falling into the wrong hands. Cleaning the hard disk does not involve deleting files by sending them to Recycle Bin, because even so the information is still there. Cleaning the hard disk involves reformatting it, that way you will be sure to clean all valuable information from it. This is usually done preparing it to accept another Operating System. Different operating systems require different procedures , but the aim is the same, to wipe the hard disk of valuable information that could fall into the wrong hands. Assuming you have already backed up all the information that you deemed necessary the next steps are as followed:

For Linux users the process starts with a download of a live CD from www.knoppix.net. Once the Cd had been copied the user boots from the CD. The next step is to use the shred command that was designed specifically for the purpose of deleting files securely. If your hard disk name is /dev/sda or /dev/hda then you type the following command:

#shred -n * -vz /dev/sda —— for sda users
or # shred -n5 -vz/dev/hda—-for hda users
-n*— indicates the number of times you wish the disk to be overwritten (an amount of 25 is sufficient)
-v —-Shows progress and;
-z —- Adds a final overwrite with zeros to hide shredding

There is another option that can be used depending on the amount of information to be destroyed and the urgency of destroying such information. This includes using Darik´s Boot and Nuke CD(DBAN), which is basically self-contained boot disk that automatically and completely cleans your hard disk.

For Windows Users one goes to the start menu, right click on the hard drive and click format.Darik´s Boot and Nuke CD(DBAN) can be used as well if the user wishes to do so. There are hundreds of soft wares on the market that claim to delete your hard drive permanently, based on my research DBAN seems to be the most recommended.

Once you have formatted your hard drive you can now choose the Operating system you wish to load on it. These steps were basically outlined with the intention to educate users about the importance of sanitizing their hard drives in the event they wish to discard or give away their computers/laptop.There are many businesses however that have not adopted any policy to dispose of used corporate records, the result sensitive information falling in the hands of hungry criminals waiting for the next attack. A plan should be laid out whether individual/cooperate, to ensure that the person entrusted to do such procedures is qualified and above all trustworthy.

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07 Jan 09 Useful gadgets for mobile computing

So you have packed your suitcases for a short trip away from your conventional office, it is your first time leaving your reference point and you have absolutely no clue as to what to take with you on this trip. Apart from the traditional laptop you want to take something that will guarantee extra advantages on your trip.

The Wifi Finder Plus created by Kensington is one little cutie that you will not want to leave behind. It eliminates the need of having to take your laptop from it´s case to test signal strength in hot spots.The Wifi Finder Plus is able to indicate signal strength if a 802,11b or 802,11b/g network is close by. It is small and detect less so there is not need to worry about extra weight in your luggage. The main disadvantage is that it does not indicated if the network is encrypted or not so one has to think if it is worth taking the risk.

The USB port blocker is another small gadget that you will not want to leave off your list if you intend to protect yourself from the possibility of viruses being introduced on you computer in the event you happen to be distracted. This tiny devise basically locks off any access to your USB from unscrupulous people. It is simple to use and acts as a extra bodyguard against viruses, spy ware etc.

Do not forget your battery charger after all you do intend to get some work done on your trip. Its is important that one does some research to identify the best charger for his needs. It would be best to choose one serves for many other gadgets thus reducing your luggage load.

Maybe you are not going on a secret mission and much less working for an international spying agency, nevertheless a Fingerprint Reader USB flash drive is an excellent way to guarantee that your data does not fall into the wrong hands. It is exactly was the name says, and can recognize up to 10 authorized fingerprints.

If your job involves a lot of paperwork and you happen to have a deadline to hand them in upon arrival at you destination, but you you are still working on it, then take a Portable Printer with you .There are quite a few on the market such as Pentax PocketJet3 Mobile Printer,HP Deskjet 460wbt Mobile Printer,Canon Pixma i90 Mobile Printer.

There is also the USB Watch drives that allows you to take your data with you wherever you go. It is basically a watch and USB in one, another cutie that one should definitely have.

Tags: 802 11b, , Battery Charger, Bodyguard, Conventional Office, Fingerprint Reader, Fingerprints, Flash Drive, , Kensington, Little Cutie, Mobile Computing, Reference Point, Short Trip, Signal Strength, , Suitcases, Taking The Risk, Usb Port, Wifi Finder,