Writing HDD to Zero, is it enough?

[Aniej]

I am about to get rid of my powerbook and wanted to remove as much recoverable data as possible. Apple suggests writing the HDD to zeros while using my startup disk. Is this enough or is there something else I need to be doing.

 

[wrldwzrd89]

Make sure you choose the 8-pass zero all data option for maximum security. Note: this process may take several hours to complete.

I think that's plenty of safety, if you're concerned about people recovering your data.

 

[Aniej]

thanks very much. It is only an 80 GB HDD, do you have any idea how long this would typically take. And, can I try doing it 1 pass first and then doing it 8 pass if i am willing to wait?

 

[wrldwzrd89]

thanks very much. It is only an 80 GB HDD, do you have any idea how long this would typically take. And, can I try doing it 1 pass first and then doing it 8 pass if i am willing to wait?

I'd estimate 40 minutes for one pass and 5 hours 20 minutes for 8 passes (based on a guesstimate of 2 GB zeroed per minute - may not be accurate at all, and is probably pessimistic - meaning the real time will probably be less than that).

Oh, and yes - it's perfectly safe to try one pass first then do 8.