Disposing of an old computer securely

[plug-discuss@lists.PLUG.phoenix.az.us]

IIRC, one of the JLF standards calls for a normal
512-pass wipe, sanding the platters, a minisledge
(a full size sledge will work just fine, but one time
it aroused the suspicions of JLF's neighbors) taken
to everything (including the PCB, the frame, and the
casing (who knows WHAT bugs the TLAs embedded in the
casing)) whilst on a tarp, then burn the remains of
the drive (including the tarp of course) at 10,000
degrees Fahrenheit for eight hours (IMPORTANT:  ensure
that you capture the smoke so it can be "processed").
After everything cools down, soak everything in a
strong acid bath.  Remove from the acid bath and let
dry.  Then use a mortar and pestle to turn the remains
into a fine powder.  Fly over the Pacific, releasing
the powder one picogram at a time, with a random time
interval (combined with randomly varying the aircraft's
speed, altitude and heading) between releasings.

Hmmm.  "JLF" is a TLA.  Never thought of that.  :)


Cheers,

D

* On Tue, May 22, 2001 at 07:31:20PM -0700, David A. Sinck wrote:
> 
> 
> \_ SMTP quoth Stephen Smith on 5/22/2001 14:30 as having spake thusly:
> \_
> \_ Anyway, what is the best way to "wipe the drives" 
> 
> 80 grit sandpaper works just fine for wiping the platters.  And a
> little bit goes a long way.  If you're fresh out of sandpaper, cement
> will do in a pinch.
> 
> If you're having problems removing the drive, a 22 oz mesh-faced
> framing hammer does the trick in a jiffy.
> 
> Also handy for thousands of other BOFH uses.
> 
> David