Hardware
HardwareWhen I delete a document/file from my hard drive is it really deleted and unretrievable?The DOS and Windows commands to delete files do not delete the data from your hard drive. They merely delete their own record of the fact that the area of the disk they occupy is unavailable to other uses. Consequently, the undelete commands merely have to change the character back to restore the data, as is demonstrated retrieving deleted files from the Windows recycle bin. Contrary to popular belief, reformatting the hard drive does not affect the disk data. The command merely formats a new file record for that logical drive. It does not remove the data until the system overwrites it with new data. Date Revised : 2003-07-10
I am salvaging my computer, will reformatting the hard drive delete the data on it?Contrary to popular belief, reformatting the hard drive does not affect the disk data. The command merely formats a new file record for that logical drive. It does not remove the data until the system overwrites it with new data. Functioning hard drives must be wiped and physically removed before disposing of the computer. Normal DOS programs such as Delete, 1. A software program to wipe the disk and overwrite it with data. Some Dban (http://dban.sourceforge.net) (Open Source bootable CD) If you are not sure how to erase your drive so that the data is unretrievable, contact your desktop support group for assistance. Policy Referenced : Responsible/Acceptable use of Computing and Data Resources (PDF) Date Revised : 2008-09-18
I am giving my computer to another department or am going to salvage it. Are there any requirements I should know about?Yes. You should contact your Information Technology department to determine what campus procedures exist. One of the greatest concerns when disposing of old computer equipment is the removal of the very personal and confidential data contained on them. The dangers of not properly erasing the hard drives is in the possibility of unwanted exposure of sensitive personal, confidential or University business data. To ensure confidentiality and in some cases to ensure compliance with software license agreements you should erase all files on your hard drive before you dispose of it or give it to another department. Contrary to popular belief, reformatting the hard drive does not affect the disk data. The command merely formats a new file record for that logical drive. It does not remove the data until the system overwrites it with new data. Software utilities such as Norton's Wipe Info will permanently delete/wipe out the data on your hard drive. If you are not sure how to erase your drive so that the data is unretrievable, contact your desktop support group for assistance. Date Revised : 2006-03-22
I need to send my computer to an external vendor for repair. How do I keep the information on it confidential/safe?Even if you have a password-protected login, a service technician can mount your hard drive on another computer and see its contents. Either remove the hard drive before sending the computer to be repaired, erase it with a secure erase product, make sure you trust your computer repair technician or make sure you have nothing sensitive on your computer. Also, be sure to back up your hard drives before sending your computer for repairs. You never know what could happen. Date Revised : 2003-07-10
What are the labels attached to my computer for?The University is required by state law, to tag all University-owned computers and equipment with a specified value. These tags are used to monitor and account for that equipment during periodic audits. Date Revised : 2003-06-05
What do I do when I want to throw away/recycle an old computer?When disposing (e.g., recycling, salvaging, transferring ownership to another party, etc.) of microcomputer/PC hard disks, the hard disks should be low level formatted to remove all data and software except the operating system. Once the drives have been cleared of any data and licensed software, you should contact your campus recycling unit, if one exists, to find out campus computer recycling procedures. Policy Referenced : Responsible/Acceptable use of Computing and Data Resources (PDF) Date Revised : 2006-03-22
What can I do to ensure that my computer won't be damaged by a power surge?Power problems (surges, blackouts, and brown-outs) can cause physical damage to a computer, inducing a hard disk crash or otherwise harming the electronic components of the computer. To avoid this problem you should use surge suppressors and possibly, uninterruptible power supplies (UPS). Policy Referenced : Responsible/Acceptable use of Computing and Data Resources (PDF) Date Revised : 2006-03-22
I bought some hardware that I would like to install on a University computer. Is this ok?No. You should not install your own personal hardware on University computers or networks regardless of whether the computer is on University premises or is one loaned to you and kept at home, unless you have been given authorization from the system's administrator. Please note that you are responsible for the support of the hardware if problems arise, even though the installation has been authorized. Campus support staff are only responsible for University owned equipment. Policy Referenced : Responsible/Acceptable use of Computing and Data Resources (PDF) Date Revised : 2006-03-22
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