[scfr]

I have an old Compaq Presario desktop that no longer works and has been gathering dust. I'd like to take it to the recyclers, but first I want to get rid of all personal information on it. I know there are programs you can buy to erase a hard drive but they cost $$ and the computer no longer works so I can't run a program!

I've heard you can just remove the memory from a computer and smash it to bits with a sledge hammer --- Is that true? If so, how on earth do I find the memory, and how do I remove it? If anyone could please explain in non-technical terms, I'd really appreciate it! Thanks!