Disposing of an old computer securely

At first glance explosives usually seem like the ideal solution for
life's little problems, but they're often just too noisy and messy;
he'll tweak the neighbors. Use thermite*. Not on the carpet.

Joel Dudley wrote:
>
> What's wrong with explosives? Destroy it with a home-made EMP grenade.
>
> http://www.theregister.co.uk/990910-000015.html
>
> Joel Dudley
> Unix Monkey
> DevelopOnline.com
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: rustyc@descomp.com [mailto:rustyc@descomp.com]
> Sent: Sunday, May 20, 2001 7:49 AM
> To: plug-discuss@lists.PLUG.phoenix.az.us
> Subject: Re: Disposing of an old computer securely
>
> >
> > I finally upgraded my linux box at home (it was a 486, with an old style
> keyboard, 2 ~600MB HD, 1 1x CDROM). I think it
> > was about time.
> >
> > Anyway, what is the best way to "wipe the drives" and where should I
> dispose of the machine?
> >
> > Suggestions?
> >
>
> Short of explosives or fires, I'd suggest writing random data on all parts
> of the drive
> at LEAST 10 times (I believe the hardware guys can get the last 6 changes,
> so
> I'd say err on the side of caution ;-)
>
> Then, if its > 50 MHz, send it to me ;-) (Just kidding, mostly)
>
> Actually, see if anyone needs a nice firewall...
>
> rc

* sorry, recipe snipped after reflection. It's all fun and games until
someone vaporizes their foot. Then it's all "boo hoo! you gave me evil
data and I'm telling!". I hate it when that happens.