Mark has brought Eraser 5.3 to my attention. After reading the reviews this package has received, I decided to give it a closer look. So far, PMS Witch gives it four broomsticks out of a possible five.
I like having the ability to choose how programs perform their work. One size rarely fits all. This package rates first class in this department. One can execute the program and direct the work as it’s being done, schedule the work to take place without supervision, integrate it with Explorer, or run it from a DOS command line. I like the integration with Explorer because it presents itself as another option on the menu, which acts as a reminder to use it.
This package doesn’t deviate from Windows’ convention and won’t consume much time or effort to master. The help system seems both useful and concise.
Clicking on the first page of information in Help and proceeding to the next provides an easy to follow introduction to the package, data security, and theory. I’d recommend anyone downloading the package to read all the help pages. It took me about 20 minutes.
Downloading the 750K .ZIP file is possible even using dial-up. Un-Zip the file prior to installation and five files are extracted. The Read.Me text file is only a couple of screensfull. The installer permits altering the default locations for files. A window displays progress, but the installation takes only a few seconds.
Using Add/Remove to remove the program works quite well. Some folders and data (log) files remain, but they are easily removed in Explorer. (They are not hidden or system files.) Removal leaves the program shortcut in the Start Menu tree.
One delightful discovery was that there are no traces of this program left in the registry after un-installing.
One delightful discovery was that there are no traces of this program left in the registry after un-installing. This is such a big issue for me, I need to say it twice.
It “does its thing” quite quickly. While working, a window displays the progress. In general, I wish all software worked as well.
I hate icons in the system tray area; fortunately, it can be disabled.
So far, no nagging advertising.
The downside…
Using the DOS interface, disk sizes or partitions are limited to 2gig. The documentation claims that the program works up to 2gig, but doesn’t say what happens if it is applied to a larger disk. (Does it croak, refuse, or work merrily away and quit early?) At least the limitation is documented.
Norton Utilities issue: If the disk being wiped is also being monitored by Norton Utilities, the wiping process will cause a “Low Disk Space” alarm. I cannot detect any harm from this, but warnings can (and should) cause user discomfort.
I’m almost embarrassed to post such a minor quibble, but I don’t like the program’s icon. Maybe I should just shut up about it and select an alternative. I like the dynamite icon in PifMgr.DLL better, although the red crayon scribbled over paper would more accurately reflect the work this program does.
Cheers, PW.
P.S. The Swap file can be a gold mine of sensitive data often overlooked. For complete privacy, erase it following the special procedures outlined in Help. (It’s easy!)
P.P.S. Eraser can be downloaded
tolvanen.com
P.P.P.S. The help system provides an excellent tutorial on data storage, from theory to current practice. Also covered are some observations on data recover. |
