File encryption and removal of files

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Hi,
First time in the Lounge. I have been following Fred Langa’s recent articles with interest. My question is this: I use G-Data Total Security 2014 and although it is very aggressive, I find it good at catching malware. It also has a file shredder tool that comes with it, and I use it (10 passes) to rid myself of what I don’t want. Am I fooling myself or is this a good way of getting rid of files, pictures or things I no longer want or need.
Thank you in advance for any help.
Oops almost forgot; I am using Win7, with Azus system board and Nvidia 670 GTX graphics board.

fanofreds

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Am I fooling myself or is this a good way of getting rid of files, pictures or things I no longer want or need.

Not at all, but if its something you don’t want anyone else to see under any circumstance, yes you are. Temp files, page files and empty space (among others I may have missed) need to accounted for. I will let others better qualified explain the best methods to deeal w/ those.

🍻

Just because you don't know where you are going doesn't mean any road will get you there.

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Wavy,
Thanks for getting back to me so quickly after posting. I do have files that I encrypted, but now the passwords (I keep a separate leger for them) don’t work. They’re nothing bad per se, just don’t want to advertise my life to the world.Also, I avoided that crypto malware because it seemed too simple and promised too much.
Besides G-Data I have Malwarbytes, and I worked a pc help desk for 5 years. But I guess it’s like First Responder techniques, if one doesn’t stay current, the way passes one by.
I flush temp files on my browser, but some tmp files are necessary for games that I play, so I’m a bit judicious with them.
If you feel you have any information to pass, feel free to, because most of the ones who are better qualified are usually too busy to answer! Can’t say that I blame them either.
I worked a pc help desk for 5 years after retiring from the Military and loved it! I had to quit due to health reasons, but right after I did my seat along with 1200 others went to India. Such is life. I was next in line for MSCE training and I wanted to specialize in Network Security, which is why when folks talk about securing one’s pc they have my attention.
Sorry to all for not posting this as a reply!

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Sorry about your nonworking passwords.
I think a similiar topic was covered here not so long ago. If I wanted to wipe ’empty’ space I would use an old shareware program w/ that capability called Ztree. It is also the best file management tool I have ever used. There are many stand alone alternatives, none of which I am familiar with. For keeping one’s own bussiness one’s own I think things like Firewalls, AV, Anti PUP and avoiding “social media” sites would be widely recommended. Using a knock off email address for registering online could only help. I am using Cookies Manager + on this computer as well as (for FF) NoScript, Empty Cache Button 2.2 and I am checking out Disconnect 3.11.0.
As always YMMV

🍻

Just because you don't know where you are going doesn't mean any road will get you there.

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Wiping files on modern hard disks – anything IDE or later, including SATA – you only need 1 pass with random data.
http://windowssecrets.com/forums/showthread//162352-Recommendations-for-secure-file-deletion

cheers, Paul

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Eraser (http://eraser.heidi.ie/) has options to wipe unused space and the recycle bin as well as files and folders. And it’s free.

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