Disposing of an old computer securely

[foodog]

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.