Simplify your laptop buying
Whether getting rid of an old computer or just making a clean start for your favorite hard drive--do hard drives even get to be honored as "favorites?"--it's important to wipe it clean. With one's and zero's and data recovery, though, it's harder than you might think to make sure that your personal data is gone forever. This collection of drive bombs showcases four free programs for internal and external drive data deletion, as well as files and folders on the fly.
Eraser shreds files on-demand or by schedule.
(Credit: Heidi Computing)For shredding individual files or folders, or entire drives, Eraser reminds me of an ugly, but effective hit man. Also known as Heidi Eraser, after its publisher, the program's interface is plain and unadorned, but also easy enough to figure out and because of its simplicity will work with operating systems as old as Windows 95.
Mouse-over tooltips help identify tasks that the generic icons take you to, and a native Windows Explorer context menu addition makes one-shot shredding easy despite the lack of a simple deletion button in the main interface. Otherwise, when deleting files both large and small, you'll need to first add the file or folder to the spreadsheet display. Drives can be added to the shred list in the same way. Users can schedule shreddings, too--handy for routinely wiping free disk space. Four secure government-sanctioned deletion algorithms keep those deletions dead, including algorithms from the U.S. Department of Defense, the default Gutmann method, Pseudorandom Data, and DBAN for hard drives.
That brings us to DBAN (Darik's Boot and Nuke), which wipes internal hard drives only. It comes in two flavors of data-destroying pain: one to be installed on CD or DVD, and one for floppies or USB thumbdrives. Once you have the program installed on the proper removable media, you need to make sure that your computer will boot from that drive. If it needs adjustment, this can be done from your BIOS. The Autonuke option will delete all detectable hard drives, including the C: drive. The interactive mode lets you choose which hard drive or partitions you'd like to obliterate. Once you've chosen what you'd like to destroy, F10 will start the process.
Darik's Boot and Nuke warning screen.
(Credit: Darik Horn)DBAN's not for the timid. Since it runs separate from the operating system, the user interface is basic and similar to what your BIOS looks like.
File Shredder's also seen some good notices. Covered in a drastically more modern interface than Eraser, File Shredder looks like a file deletion-specific version of Windows Explorer. It supports shredding files both individually and as a group, aided by simple commands such as Add File and Add Folder. Once you've chosen your targets, you can choose from five shredding algorithms, ranging from simple one pass to the Department of Defense 5220-22.M to the Gutmann algorithm. The Disk Wiper mode can clean free space on a hard drive.
Despite its modernity, File Shredder lacks a scheduler and offers no hooks into the recycle bin, which means that files that are already there must be dealt with by hand before they can be shredded. Unlike Eraser, it doesn't do full drives, either.
CCleaner also contains a hidden shredding component. Go to Options, then Settings, and choose Secure File Deletion at the bottom of the window. From there, you can adjust the number of overwrites the program will make on deleted files, from the standard one pass up through the Gutmann 35 passes. Also included are the three-pass Department of Defense standards and the National Security Agency 7-pass standard. CCleaner is probably the most user-friendly of the options in this collection, but it's really only for shredding files that get detected by the program. For more selective shredding, the other options are recommended.
Unknown to many, CCleaner contains a file-shredding option.
(Credit: Screenshot by Seth Rosenblatt/CNET)I'm including Zilla Data Nuker more as a warning than an actual recommendation. You should only use Zilla Data Nuker if it's version 2 or earlier. Version 3 installs the Relevant Knowledge spyware and doesn't give you the choice of opting out. However, older versions don't, and so they can stay on the table even though they don't include this horrible business practice.
As a program, Zilla Data Nuker works well, with multiple algorithms and a good-looking interface. Included are a scheduler and the capability to shred via context menu and to shred an entire drive. If it wasn't for the lack of the Gutmann algorithm and the business practices that the publisher now endorses, I'd recommend Zilla more strongly. As it is, give it a pass unless you have no other option.
With all of these programs, I found that file or drive size was a more restrictive determinant on shredding speed than anything else. These are definitely programs for users with patience: if you're truly concerned with sweeping away your data footprints, you probably shouldn't be too worried about how long it takes to wipe out any trace that you were there.
There are probably at least a dozen decent shredders out there. If you have a favorite that I missed, let me know in the comments.
The latest CCleaner update now clears Internet data from Chrome.
(Credit: CNET)At first they tried Google's Chrome browser out of curiosity. Now, the growing ranks of those who have switched to Chrome (or vacillate, like CNET's own Stephen Shankland) will be looking for browser support services and add-ons to complete the transition.
The latest version of the free, solid Internet privacy application CCleaner is one app to oblige. In late December, it added Chrome to its list of supported browsers, along with Internet Explorer, Mozilla/Firefox, Safari, and Opera.
CCleaner actually reaches deeper in Chrome than in Opera and Safari, dumping the download history and saved form information in addition to cookies, Internet history, and Internet cache. Of course, Internet history has become more virtue than vice as a searching time-saver, and any of the cleaning options may be easily skipped from the scan.
We're glad to see the well-regarded CCleaner taking Chrome on board at this relatively early stage, and we hope other developers soon follow suit.
Firefox and Internet Explorer extension Click&Clean is aimed at those who prefer the history-sweeping CCleaner to Firefox's built-in browsing tracks sterilizer. Click&Clean takes the same number of mouse clicks or keyboard strokes to activate as the native cleaner, opening a CCleaner window preconfigured for cleaning Firefox. Obviously, you must download CCleaner for Click&Clean to work.
Click&Clean adds only a single button to your Firefox toolbar, so it won't clutter your browser window. Clicking it opened the CCleaner interface immediately, and from there you can have it wipe your tracks with the automatic configuration, or you can make adjustments to suit your needs. If you're addicted to the digital ammonia of CCleaner and you're a Firefox user, Click&Clean is one surefire way to make your hard drive sparkle.
Although it lacks a few of the bells and whistles found in other PC-cleaning applications, this free program offers more than enough features to make it a worthy download. CCleaner's interface is logically designed and makes it easy to wipe away your tracks from Internet Explorer, Firefox, and Opera, from various Windows system areas, and from some third-party applications.
CCleaner doesn't support the large number of extraneous programs that some competitors do, but it can erase traces from such popular programs as Spybot - Search & Destroy and WinZip. CCleaner now offers secure file erasing along with a Registry-cleaning utility that quickly scans for invalid entries before removing them. CCleaner can even back up your Registry before removal, in case it accidentally removes a crucial component, and the download includes a rudimentary feature for uninstalling any program on your machine.
For years, CCleaner has been our go-to application for safely clearing temporary files, unused and invalid Registry entries, and Internet tracks. The self-proclaimed "crap cleaner" does what it says without much fuss and with a few extra configuration options.
CCleaner 2.07.575 now cleans Internet tracks for Firefox 3.
(Credit: Piriform)With the exception of applying its scrubbing efforts to Firefox 3.0, the latest CCleaner update is predominantly a bug-fixing and minor tweaking release. There are back-end changes to fix bugs that skipped over a few Internet Explorer cookies, to improve the application's internal memory, and to keep the CCleaner icon from getting locked into the system tray. A bug on the uninstaller tool on the 64-bit version has also been corrected, and there are minor tweaks to the program interface.
The interface, incidentally, is one area I'd personally like to see freshened up. Call me shallow, but from a design standpoint, CCleaner has paraded its horizontal pinstripe look for too long.
First-time CCleaner-users should pay attention to the program check boxes during installation. With two shortcuts, Recycle Bin buttons, and a browser toolbar, the application's default extras can get a bit much. For me, the application and Start menu shortcut are sufficient; though since I use Launchy to quickly open applications, the latter isn't even necessary.
I received an e-mail this morning from Pearl, the source of whose frustration is the failure of a prompted update. She writes:
I have been using LimeWire Basic for about four years with no problem. This morning I was using it and a box came up telling me to download an update, which I did. Then it all disappeared from my screen, and also took with it my original LimeWire, too. So I tried to download it again only to be told it was a corrupt file. I did this a couple of times with no joy.
I have been to the LimeWire contact area, wrote them a letter in two separate places, but it refuses to send mail as it says error occurred. So I cannot ask what is wrong, so I am hopeful you will be able to assist me.
Sometimes, for whatever reason, updates become corrupted or interrupted, leaving you without a functioning program, and with useless files littered throughout your file system. Now what? Pearl had the right idea to reinstall the app, though her continuing error messages suggest that she'll need to clear out the bits and pieces before achieving a clean install.
Before continuing, let me say it did cross my mind that the update could be malware riding on the coattails of a popular product. As LimeWire did recently update, the download is in all likelihood completely legitimate. If a software installation from an update prompt goes wonky, it's a good idea to check the current version and change log on the product site. False prompts are well-known ways for malware to slink in. If there's any doubt, e-mail the company in question and fire up that antivirus application for a system scan.
Now back to the issue at hand. Does LimeWire still shows up in your program list, Pearl? If so, try uninstalling it completely with a free app like Revo Uninstaller. If you're wary of Revo's slightly more aggressive "Moderate" mode, the "Safe" setting will still pluck out the ancillary files that could be standing in the way of reinstalling the app. If it appears that LimeWire's been removed, program shards could still be a clog. I'd recommend running CCleaner, another free app that should dissolve some of those leftover pieces. Then try reinstalling LimeWire fresh.
If that still fails, cruise LimeWire's forum to see if others have also discovered, and solved, the problem. If you seem to be the sole witness, post it and check back often to see if a LimeWire moderator or other peer has responded. CNET also has forums where you can draw from users' collective experience. Good luck!
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CNET Networks)
Though we have several machines here at Download.com running Windows Vista for testing purposes, I have to admit that I haven't yet made the switch at my workspace. Maybe it's because with Windows XP, I like the way things are set up; I like the look; and I can rest assured that all my favorite downloads are going to work without fail. I'm not saying Vista won't support my programs--and I'm sure I'll make the switch at some point--but for now I'm sticking with XP.
Even though XP is my choice for now, as a major-league software nerd, I still try to find ways to improve upon a good thing. Rather than leaving well-enough alone, I continually search CNET Downloads to see what programs I can find to make my OS run even more smoothly. A few downloads I've come across trim down existing applications, clean out system flaws, and keep the whole XP operating system running at optimal speed.... Read more
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CNET Networks)
If there's one thing that the Black Hat 2007 conference in Las Vegas taught CNET Senior Editor Robert Vamosi, it's that criminals hackers, forgers, and malware chefs are getting more creative in their villainy, not less.
While stocking up on quality security software is an advisable method for keeping your distance from boogie-man code, the antivirus and removal applications are a lot more effective when used correctly. Some programs, such as Hijack This and CCleaner, benefit from deeper instruction; that's where CNET Download.com's security center steps in. Here you'll find guides for getting started with security stalwarts such as WinPatrol and ZoneAlarm, as well as cues for avoiding suspicious Web sites and family-proofing your PC.
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stock.xchng)
I admit I'm a digital pack rat. I have a directory of images on my local drive devoted to LOLcats. I have gigabytes of FLAC files from live concert recordings and MP3 files from music sites such as CNET Download.com Music.
I'm good at regularly backing up my information to DVD and moving some files permanently to backups, but my 160GB hard drive is usually pushing full capacity. To keep my machine running at a speed I like (and deserve!), I have to perform regular maintenance. While there are lots of ways to optimize your hard drive, my basic method requires only three steps. ... Read more
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CNET Networks)
Like anyone who spends a lot of time in front of his computer screen, Power Downloader knows that over time, computers can start to get sluggish. There are a variety of reasons for this phenomenon, including the more dangerous issues of spyware and viruses. However, even the most protected computers suffer slowdown from lack of regular system maintenance. Power knows regular tune-ups are crucial to keeping his system in tip-top shape, so in addition to checking for spyware and viruses and regularly defragging his hard drive, he uses the popular optimizing software CCleaner.
Regular Internet surfing, even on only the safest of sites, will cause a slowdown over time. Every page viewed in a Web browser is usually saved to your Internet cache locally so your browser can quickly load the page again. Temporary files collect in your computer's system, making your computer less efficient. Power Downloader surfs hundreds of Web sites every day in his ongoing search for software, so it's easy to imagine that his Internet cache fills up quickly. To make sure his system is running at its full potential, Power uses CCleaner once a week. With CCleaner, Power can easily pinpoint the areas he wants to clean. Along with his Internet cache, Power can easily get rid of his browser history, temporary files, and leftover remnants in his recycle bin. Taking his maintenance a step further, Power can switch to the Issues tab in CCleaner to clean out unused file extensions and fix his registry.
Regardless of how much you surf the Web, your Windows system will eventually collect a lot of files you don't need. With CCleaner as a part of Power Downloader's regular maintenance, he can make sure his system is always running at its best.
