BIOS: Technology Means Business

Nova Development’s Drive Erase Pro (£29.99) is a low-cost, software-based solution to permanently erase data from virtually any PC’s hard disk drive. The company is also touting the software as a neat way to get rid of all your confidential data before you sell or donate your computers.

Chances are that online banking information, payroll data, social security numbers, credit card numbers, confidential e-mails, personal photos still exist on your hard disk drive - even if you’ve emptied those files from the Recycle Bin. Unlike other solutions, Nova Development says Drive Erase Pro gives you the option of either deleting all of the data on your hard disk drive or just shredding selected files - easily, securely and permanently.

Key features of the utility include the ability to erase all of the data on your hard disk drive, or just the files you select. It may also be ideal for restoring a system after virus or spyware damage. It also includes a boot CD-ROM for 100 per cent hard disk erasing, and offers a choice from seven data destruction options.

The software is compatible with all Windows drives, regardless of size and interface, and allows you to wipe multiple PCs as many times as you like. Drive Erase Pro meets or exceeds the U.S. Department of Defense’s clearing and sanitising standards. To adhere to these rigorous standards, Drive Erase Pro overwrites all addressable locations on your hard drive with a character, its complement, then a random character. The built-in Disk Viewer utility shows proof that data has been deleted.

As an added bonus, every copy of Drive Erase Pro also ships with SurfSecret Privacy Protector, which securely erases Internet surfing tracks to protect your privacy from prying eyes. SurfSecret Privacy Protector automatically cleans Instant Message tracks, peer-to-peer history, Goggle ‘last-searched’ toolbar data, and more - 30 applications in all. SurfSecret Privacy Protector even features a Stealth Mode to ensure that no-one will know the software is running.

[Best Software Utility Pricing UK]
[Best Software Utility Pricing US]

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