This is an update on my “Wiping your hard disk, so other people can’t get data off it post”, which WordPress and Windows Live writer just erased on me.  Ironic!

One reader asked what I’ve used.  Well those programs would be: BCWipePD, Darik’s Boot and Nuke and Active@ KillDisk Professional.  Darik’s Boot and Nuke was my choice, the other two have been used by my various employers.

Free
Active@ KillDisk Free
Darik’s Boot and Nuke
CopyWipe

Not-Free
Acronis Drive Cleanser
Active@ KillDisk Professional
BCWipePD
cyberCide Data Destruction
Destroy & Destroy Lite
Disk Wipe
Drive Washer
East-Tec DisposeSecure 2008 Enterprise
EBAN 2.1 – the enterprise version of Darik’s Boot and Nuke
Iolo DriveScrubber
OnTrack – Eraser
PC INSPECTOR e-maxx
WhiteCanyon WipeDrive
WipeDrive

Disclaimer:
It’s YOUR choice as to what you use.  In Australia, the “Destroy & Destroy Lite” program is on the Defence Signals Directorate’s EPL list.

"What does ultima ratio regum mean?"

’The Last Argument of Kings,’ the Librarian says.
’King Louis XIV had it stamped onto the barrels of all the cannons that were forged during his reign.’

- Snow Crash by Neal Stephenson

The photo is from Reivax’s Vienna 2003 photoset, and is the best of photos I could find with the quotation on.  You may see more of his photographs here.