wiping a hard drive

[pinkkitty]

we bought a new computer a few months ago, but kept the base unit of our old PC in case there were any problems with the new one. Now we're sure we don't need our old base, but we want to make sure all our personal data is throughly wiped off before we dispose of it.
what do we need to do to minimise the chances of someone getting access to our personal information? Can you take it to a PC store and ask them to do it or would that be a waste of time?

Thanks!

Kitty

[snags]

Take out the HD and attack it with a hammer...

[Postdog]

Firstly, never be sure you won't need it.

secondly, maybe use it to back up data just in case

thirdly, plenty of free programs out there for data wiping - try download.com

[ChuckFickens]

As above, apart from I wouldn't recommend a hammer for a desktop hard drive, drill a couple of holes through it insead (desktop drives are really tough and they are fairly hard to damage, even with a hammer!)

[ChuckFickens]

as above as in snag, not postdog

No offence postdog, but if it's to be disposed of then physically smashing the drive platters is by far the most effective and easiest way to wipe the drive

[VHG]

I would keep the old base as a "backup".

If you have a router you can easily connect both computers to it and "share" files between them.

Then use the old computer to copy files to as a backup or spare.

Or use it as a "server" (store your photos, movies, music on it).

Plenty of uses for any old computer.