Eraser Review

excellent
key review info
application features
  • Works with Windows 95, 98, ME, NT, 2000, XP and DOS. It works with any drive including IDE, SCSI and RAID.
  • (12 more, see all...)

When it comes to deleting files, everyone thinks about the Recycle Bin, but those files that are stored in there are not actually deleted, but rather moved to a special folder. Even after emptying the Recycle Bin, your files are still stored on the hard drive, and can be easily recovered after formatting the entire drive.

Once you've chosen to "permanently" delete your files, the associated disk space is freed-up and you will no longer have to worry about it. But when it comes to selling your computer, then all your private information will be vulnerable, and a complete stranger can get hold of all the accounts, passwords, and other such data can be revealed.

But you can use programs such as "Eraser" that will help you securely delete your files, by overwriting them with random characters, thus making the information unreadable.

What's inside!

Eraser is a small but powerful program which can be used to clean out your hard drive, a specified folder, or a single file.

The program's interface is simple, but very functional, giving you the possibility of easily configuring an erasing job; you can either configure a job to be performed; this way, if you're working with a program that doesn't automatically delete temporary files, or you want to securely delete them yourself, simply schedule an operation to be performed every time you boot your system, and no one will be able to decrypt your information.

You can only work from Windows, with no command prompt experience required. When washing your files, you can choose one of the available methods from the following: only clear the first and last 2 Kb (this will make the file unreadable, but more specialized programs can still recover it), pseudorandom data (this will overwrite all the information with random characters, thus eliminating the original data), US Department of Defense 5220.22-M with 3 passes (this standard uses the US DOD method, and will overwrite the selected files three times), US Department of Defense 5220.22-M with 7 passes (same as the previous one, just that it overwrites the data seven times.)

Beyond this point, there are few programs that can retrieve your information, but if you want to make it completely unrecoverable, you can use the ultimate method that the program can offer: Gutmann's secure deleting method; this standard will overwrite your files 35 times, and will use a different pattern each time.

What I like about this program is the fact that you're able to configure a different method for the unused disk space, so that the entire hard disk can be cleaned out, but with no unnecessary time being lost.

Also, if you feel that the available methods don't give you enough confidence, you're free to create your own. The Pseudorandom data standard is slightly configurable as well, and allows you to determine the number of passes you want to be performed, and set a maximum of 65535 passes, but should you choose the maximum value, be aware that your computer will work on the job for weeks.

A good feature is the fact that the program integrates in Windows Shell; this allows you to easily select the target files or folders that you want to shred, without having to open the program.

The difference between manual automatic transmission in cars is that if you want to feel the pleasure of the drive and control your vehicle better, you should go for the stick gear shifter, but if you simply want to get from one place to another, the automatic shifter will do just fine. The same applies to Eraser: working from Windows is simple, and with only a few clicks and a confirmation dialog you're done. But if you want to be in control of your shredding operation, you can do it from DOS also.

Eraser has a module which allows you to create a bootable floppy disk that will enable you to use the command prompt to perform the available actions. This will give you a feeling of confidence, as DOS is known for its "brutal" efficiency.

I like the fact that you're able to get a sneak preview at the way the program works; the "Eraser test" feature allows you to select a file to be overwritten; you get the chance to edit the standard that will be used, and see the results after each is finished. This is also a good way to test your own methods, and see what the output will be.

The help file is very useful, and gives you step by step walkthroughs, so that you won't get confused when working with the program (it's not recommended that you perform any action with this program if you don't know what you're doing, since there's no UNDO option).

The Good

Eraser is easy to work with, and has a simple interface that won't give you any headaches. The shell integration is most welcome, but you can also create a bootable floppy disk, and work from DOS; the help menu contains not only useful information, but tips and tricks too, making your experience with the program a pleasant one.

The Bad

I can't think of any bad things about this program; maybe the amount of time that you need to wait for it to complete its job; but this is not due to program limitations, and any program will need the same time to do the job.

The Truth

This program is just as efficient as a commercial one; it features enough erasing methods for you to use, and it allows you to create your own. The shell integration and the DOS support make Eraser a complete solution. Try it, and see for yourself!

Check out the screenshots below to get a glance at the program in action:

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user interface 5
features 5
ease of use 5
pricing / value 5


final rating 5
Editor's review
excellent
 
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