Things You'll Need:
- FireWire cable
- OS install disc
- Second Macintosh computer
- Third-party hard drive utility
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Step 1
How much personal data is left unprotected?Understand that just emptying the trash doesn't delete the files from the hard drive. At that point, almost anybody has the ability to recover a majority of your personal data.
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Step 2
Are any of these guys hacking somebody's data?Boot your Mac with an OS disc and follow the prompts to install a new system. Select the Options button, and click "Format and Install." This will overwrite your deleted files.
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Step 3
A FireWire cable.If you don't have access to an OS disc, boot up your Mac in FireWire mode by holding down the "T" key when starting. When the FireWire symbol appears on the screen, connect it to another Mac with a FireWire cable. Your Mac's hard drive will appear on the desktop. Open Disk Utilities, select Erase and erase the hard drive of your Mac.
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Step 4
Apple's Disc Utility is one way you can erase your hard drive.Buy a commercial software package that wipes a disk clean. This is a more costly option, but if you feel that the standard methods aren't secure enough, go via this route.
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Step 5
Installing a new hard drive is one option.Remove the hard drive after formatting if you're really paranoid. You can always buy an inexpensive replacement if you're planning on donating or selling your computer.
