hi, guys, by now I hope you all know what i'm doing, and I need to know several things:
1. What is the best (and free) program that I need to wipe the memory on the computers I am bringing in to ensure the info cannot be gotten,
2. The computers are coming in without any disks, and I have to restore back to original, so is there a way to get this info downloaded so I can put them onto disk?
3. If I get an older computer in with win 98 on it, can I refurbish and do the previous steps and restore it with win xp instead? I have one computer suitable for donation, and one group home in need of computers.

thanks for the help you guys, and I do sincerely apologize for the infractions...I swear I did not realize.

sincerely,
bbear

Ok, first off, you dont need a program to wipe memory from a computer. If you just want to wipe everything clean so its brand new again, then all you have to do is get the CD of your operating system, pop it in, and go into its selections and it will allow you to "Format" your computer. Formating is the proccess of deleting everything on the hard drive so its clean and new again. As for #2, you mean backup any files that are on the computers? All you would have to do for that is just pop a CD-R/CD-RW or a DVD-R/DVD-RW and then copy any files you need onto the CD and wa la. For #3, most of the computers, will allow you to just install another O/S. Its just the really old computers like 95 that wont allow you only becuase they are so old, that the computers are also so old and they wont allow you to install anything newer becuase the computer cant handle it. I have an IBM thinkpad that used to run Windows98 but i now have WinXP running on it with no problems at all. This should help. Reply back if you need any further assistance.

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1) The info can easily be extracted even after a reformat. The only true way to destruct the data on a hard drive entirely is to destroy the drive's platters and replace it. With that said, however, Derek's Boot n Nuke will do a good job of it.

2) Without the origional OS, you would have to purchase and install a new copy of Windows [and attach it's license label] and then download all the drivers you need. Alternativley you can load the machine's with a Linux distro instead.

3) A 98 PC will run XP, but not very well. You'll want at least 256mb of RAM. Again, an XP license would need to be purchased, or a Linux distribution could be installed for free [as well as running better on older hardware]

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Thanks,
Ash
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My computer buddy also mentioned that linux would be best. I guess I need to listen to him more often...here is a possible dilemma tho. I will be donating these working computers to low income children who have probably only ever seen windows, will they be able to use the linux and understand it? thanks so much for your help guys! you are great.
bbear

Ubuntu has several programs just for kids installed. It's easy to use, and where you don't need to pay the XP license costs [if MS found you were donating illegal copies of Windows there would be big trouble]. I highly suggest you give Ubuntu a spin.

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Ash
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There is a free program that you can download off of called FileShredder it permanently deletes all files on a hard disk using a DOD shredding algorithm. go to pcworld online and go to antivirus and security

If you are thinking of using Ubuntu for your children, may I suggest giving Edubuntu Home Page | edubuntu a try out?

Jam

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I went to linux last night after reading the posts, and tried to copy ubuntu and it said it would take 4 days, 14 hours to download...I have a disk coming in 4-6 weeks. this has been really helpful. I will go back and see about getting the edubuntu and the file shredder.thank you.
bbear

What exactly do you mean by "copy"? If you're downloading over a broadband connection it shouldn't take much longer than 2 hours. You might want to find your nearest mirror and use a download manager.

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Ash
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I was going to download then put it onto cd, I have dial up and it said time for it to download was 4days 14 hours etc. I've heard about the mirrors before. have never used one before tho.
bbear

My suggestion would be to ask a friend who has broadband to download it for you

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Ash
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he's currently in St. Louis! just my luck.
bbear

If you have a laptop try going to a local library or Starbucks to get free high speed wifi

Hotels have free wifi, but theres so many people tying into it its more like dialup if even get a connection :'(

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