Calling all computer geeks!

[scfr]

Thanks tinapbeana!!!

If I smashed the hard drive and then threw out a few of the bits in the trash each week for several weeks, would that do the trick? [If I ever need to dispose of a credit card, I do the same thing. Cut it up in to little pieces, and throw away a couple pieces each week.] Or would an identity thief be able to retrieve info from a small piece?

Also, would throwing the bits in the trash be bad for the environment?

[Broken Arrow]

scfr, if it's just Turbo Tax information, I think a hammer would be plenty. Or you could even surgically dissect one for educational fun!

I hate disagreeing with Tina (because, you know, hell hath no fury like a woman scorned), but I would not advise microwaving just as I would not advising pitching it into an open fire... or acid baths for that matter. It's just that metallic objects in a microwave constitutes a fire hazard, no matter how "safe" you make it. Some computer components may also produce toxic fumes during chemical reactions, but I don't know if hard drive platters are one of them. Still, I just don't think there's any reason to go that way.

As for your last question, even bits of hard drive platter can be read, but again, we're talking about very expensive equipment used by trained technicians sent in by very determined and well-funded identity thieves just for tax info. You're not... evading millions from the IRS are ya? Because, seriously, there's nothing to worry about.

Honestly? Hard drive + Hammer = Good times.

(Although I also think it's kind of a waste to smash a perfectly good hard drive, but... that's just me.)

[tinapbeana]

Originally Posted by Broken Arrow

I hate disagreeing with Tina (because, you know, hell hath no fury like a woman scorned), but I would not advise microwaving just as I would not advising pitching it into an open fire... or acid baths for that matter. It's just that metallic objects in a microwave constitutes a fire hazard, no matter how "safe" you make it. Some computer components may also produce toxic fumes during chemical reactions, but I don't know if hard drive platters are one of them. Still, I just don't think there's any reason to go that way.

FURY FURY, SCORN SCORN!!!

heheheheheh!!! yes, BA is of course correct that there are bits that could be, um, funky when super heated. if you actually smash and/or dismantle the drive, you should see the actual disk itself and be able to make a determination of an appropriate (and possibly theraputic!) method of distruction...

Originally Posted by Broken Arrow

Honestly? Hard drive + Hammer = Good times.

(Although I also think it's kind of a waste to smach a perfectly good hard drive, but... that's just me.)

dare i say it? yes, i dare: i can't honestly qualify an ancient hard drive that may or may not function as 'perfectly good', especially with the current price of replacements.

[Broken Arrow]

Originally Posted by tinapbeana

FURY FURY, SCORN SCORN!!!

Eek! *rolls for saving throw versus fear / paralysis*

What?

dare i say it? yes, i dare: i can't honestly qualify an ancient hard drive that may or may not function as 'perfectly good', especially with the current price of replacements.

Don't listen her, my little snookems. Some of the newer girls out there may be younger and sleeker, but you'll always be my first love!

What?

(Well, there goes any hope of people thinking I am sane. )

[tinapbeana]

BA, what are you talking about? that is picture is a close-up micro shot of a brand new hard drive with it's own Oompa Loompa inside to maintain it. it's the newest apple craze, you know

[Broken Arrow]

Originally Posted by tinapbeana

BA, what are you talking about? that is picture is a close-up micro shot of a brand new hard drive with it's own Oompa Loompa inside to maintain it. it's the newest apple craze, you know

No wonder the iPods are so expensive.

And by the way, that's a pretty twisted mind you have to actually think of that one.

[tinapbeana]

Originally Posted by Broken Arrow

And by the way, that's a pretty twisted mind you have to actually think of that one.

come on, if that guy doesn't look like an Oompa Loompa i don't know what does... not twisted, just observant

[SavedintheCity]

Sorry my bad, I read recyclers and that raises red flags for all computer nerds that know about identity theft. My advice. Yank the hard drive from box. Introduce hard drive to sledge hammer. Have party. Poor hard drive. Yeah hammer. There are enough working hard drives in the trash that no crooks/ID thieves will care about one in little bits and pieces.

[Broken Arrow]

By the way, if you're on Mac OSX, the ability for zero and random overwrites are already available. Use the Disk Utility program under the Applications -> Utilities. Select the drive you want to nuke. Select the "Erase" tab, then the "Options" button.