Delete Does Not Delete

When a computer file is deleted (and the Recycle Bin cleared), many think that the file is gone for good. In actual fact, it is only gone as far as our naked eyes can see. The deleted file is still possibly reconstruct-able using commercially available softwares!

No, the computer is not playing tricks. This behaviour is by design and not exclusive to computer system. It is common for almost all electronic storage media such as; PDA, mobile phones, digital camera, and etc.

In non-technical terms, this is what actually happens;
When a file is deleted, the system merely releases the 'lock' on the file's storage spaces without destroying their contents. These released spaces go into the free-space pool and stay as they are until they are used again. As long as these spaces remain unused, their contents can be captured and the original file can be reconstructed.

In the nutshell, there is a possibility to retrieve any deleted files. This possibility decreases over time and the rate is beyond user's control.

How to ensure all the deleted files are gone for good?

There are many softwares available that can get the job done. These softwares are called various names such as, disk wiping, disk deletion, traces removal, and etc. Nevertheless, all of them use the same method which is by populating the unused space (free-space) with randomly generated data.

One such software, FREE for home use;

Eraser (Pls check its license)
http://sourceforge.net/projects/eraser/

If the software you use works, the deleted files are no longer recoverable using any commercially available softwares.

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