Deleting history or emptying recycle doesn’t mean your tracks are covered?

Question

I understand that whatever activitiy in your computer can still be retrieved or traced with a software. How can we protect ourselves?

I understand that whatever activitiy in your computer can still be retrieved or traced with a software. How can we protect ourselves?
To explain myself: I am using a company laptop. There are times where I use it for my personal stuff. I just want to be sure. My privacy is not taken away from me.

Answer 1

try out this tool
http://www.microsoft.com/technet/sysinternals/Security/SDelete.mspx

or this:
http://www.heidi.ie/eraser/

they are tools used to secure delete files from hard disks
when deleting files they try to write random bits on the same area where the deleted file ws located and many times

Answer 2

Temporary Internet Files and Cookies also keep track of you. The only recourse is to install a good cleaning utility. FREE ones that I know of are Zappit System Cleaner. It cleans up and speeds up your computer. It cleans Windows, Internet Tracks, frees up HDD space. Use safe mode for beginners. I use the "Schedule Wizard" http://www.download.com/Zappit-System-Cleaner/3000-2144_4-10558803.html

Answer 3

Computer forensics these days can find anything, even after a reformat. That's usually for criminal stuff though. Hope you aren't being bad.

Answer 4

"ccleaner" del. typed url's and more use it
download" necrofile" cleans and put "0" in the free space

Answer 5

Heck, even if you actually burn your hard drive, it is possible to get enough incriminating evidence from it.

Amazing what they can do these days.