I am leaving the country and want to simply chuck my 6 year old imac in the trash. I have only ever used it for personal stuff, not business.
From what I read, I understand some of my personal bank data and emails etc may be stored on my hard drive.
I dont want to pay anything to wipe the hard drive.
Is it safe to simply throw the computer away? Our trash company has one of those compactors that crushes the garbage (if someone doesn't retrieve it from the trash first).
2006-11-06 08:09:51 · 13 answers · asked by Anonymous in Computers & Internet ➔ Security
No it is not safe either from a personal safety standpoint or an environmental standpoint. Anything on your hard drive can be recovered - most of the stuff that you have "erased" included and some computer components are toxic. Best to remove the hard drive and physically destroy it yourself and then check for someone who collects computers for safe discard.
2006-11-06 08:21:05 · answer #1 · answered by oldhippypaul 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you the old imac works, write zeros to the hard disk. And sell it on eBay for $100 or more.
You write zeros using Disk Ultilties on OSX or Disk Setup on OS9 and below. If OSX, use the 7-Pass Erase option.
If it is broken with crt builtin, You have to dispose of it as hazardous waste. CRT monitors contain several pounds of lead. If it is the newer LCD Imacs, doesn't matter. Chuck in the bin after erasing drive. Use a powerful electronic magnet on the hard drive to wipe it clean.
2006-11-06 09:08:23 · answer #2 · answered by The Doctor 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
ok well it is realyl safe to cump it since to recover a hrd drive that has been badly dmaged it woul dtake highly specialised technicians and machines and i dont think anyone is willin to pay 1000s of dollar just to read ur emails as long as u have nuthin on it that will get u aresseted then chuk it
2006-11-06 08:19:15 · answer #3 · answered by themolesrules 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
you don't have to pay to wipe your hard drive, you can do it yourself. If you are really that concerned take the hard drive out and give a few kicks and it smash it a bit and you will not have to worry about that any more.
2006-11-06 08:19:41 · answer #4 · answered by saosin 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Take the hard drive out and crush it then throw it all away. That way nobody can get personal info.
2016-04-07 17:49:21 · answer #5 · answered by Kat 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
i would suggest,as you stated about the hard drive, disassemble the p.c. & remove the hard drive place a magnet on it (both sides)for at least 30 minutes per side,or just smash it to pieces with a hammer.
2006-11-06 08:27:36 · answer #6 · answered by TREBOR 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
NO!!!!!! If you do, make sure you take out all the guts and smash them to smithereens! You don't want anyone to know what was on your hard drive as they can get vidal info off of it.
Than, I would try to recycle it..........but to an agency you trust.........with all your info gone!!!!
2006-11-06 08:40:01 · answer #7 · answered by Nana 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
HOW LAZY ARE YOU?JUST FORK OVER A FEW DOLLARS ARE YOU RETARTED IF SOMEONE LIKE ME FINDS IT IN THE TRASH I COULD RUIN ALL THE PORNOGRAPHY OF YOUR MOM ONIT AND TAKE YOUR MONEY
2006-11-06 08:20:07 · answer #8 · answered by super nerd 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
remove the hard drive 1st....smash hard dive with brick....then toss in trash.
2006-11-06 08:24:55 · answer #9 · answered by Stugots 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
MAN YOU WHITE BOYZ SURE ARE LAYZ
I AGREE WITH "BALLER_WITH _MOVES
YOU DON'T WANT PEOPLE TO SEE ALL YOUR MOMS PORNO DO YOU
2006-11-07 11:37:00 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋