Security and privacy are concepts that are increasingly valuable to all of us. A computer that is not used well can be a constant source of problems: theft of personal data, covert use of passwords, payments with our bank accounts. Protecting yourself in these situations is something that we all have to take into account. One way to eliminate these problems, or at least reduce them, is to periodically use Hardwipe .
When we delete a file in Windows 10, it ends up in the recycle bin. Every time we empty it, apparently the file is destroyed. However, that is not the case since the file continues to exist only that we do not see it. Those who can see it are intruders or computer programs dedicated to obtaining information from third parties without their consent. To defend ourselves, we have tools like data destroyers.
How does a data shredder work?
Before moving on to Hardwipe’s features, let’s remember what this type of program is. Emptying the recycle bin only means that Windows will hide and rename all the files that were there – making them uncountable to us – and from that point on, you can use that disk space to save new data – which does not mean that the recording is going to happen at that very moment.
Programs like Hardwipe are dedicated to overwriting the space they used, and in some ways still occupy, those files. The greater the overwrite capacity of the program, the greater its effectiveness because the more difficult it will be to recover the data. Every data destroyer has a retriever to overcome and vice versa and, in that struggle, is the safeguard of your privacy and security.
The basic and free version of Hardwipe
The first thing that catches the attention of Hardwipe is its simplicity and somewhat dated design. The advertisement also stands out in the user interface but it is part of the price to pay for its free version.
In the top menu, we find “Hardwipe”, “Tools” and “Help”. The first menu includes all the options that we see in the main icons: files , devices, volumes, free space, trash, and paging file. Therefore it is quite redundant and does not contribute anything.
One of the interesting features of Hardwipe is that it allows you to delete specific files on any of our physical devices. Just select them in the browser that enables the program and in a few seconds they will have completely disappeared. To achieve success, the program allows the user to choose the erase method from among eight available options such as Schneier and Gutmann .
In addition to destroying a specific file , Hardwipe allows you to delete all the contents of a device or a volume at once. Be careful when using this option since if you make a mistake, it will be very difficult to recover your data.
Actually emptying the recycle bin is also possible with this data deletion tool . Just select the icon that appears on the main interface and start the destruction process.
In all the above situations, Hardwipe will generate a report that you can read by clicking on the ” register ” button. You can find it on the right side of the interface, under the advertisement
Another interesting feature of the free version of Hardwipe is that it allows you to clean up the paging file by turning off your computer .
In short, this concept refers to the hard disk space that the operating system can “use as” RAM when it is full. It is recommended that the space be equal to 150% of the RAM, so there can be stored a lot of data that we do not want others to see.
Outside the Hardwipe user interface we find another of its features and that can be quite useful. Right-clicking on any file, device or volume will bring up a context menu .
In it we will be able to see how Hardwipe has been integrated into our system and, simply by clicking on “delete file” the program will start and, already on its own interface, we will proceed to eliminate it. Look closely at the image and you will see that this new option has not replaced the classic “delete”
Hardwipe gives you more for a small amount
Hardwipe offers two payment alternatives. The cheaper, ” essential ” version costs $ 14.99 per user and includes minor improvements over the free version: removes advertising, allows you to clean up the paging file less frequently, enables the Razer delete method – which they own – Activate the “verification pass” option and authorize its use for commercial uses.
The ” professional ” version offers in exchange for $ 29.99 per user, the portability of the tool, the interface to edit your own command lines, the possibility of saving the deletion reports and all those improvements that will be offered in the future thanks to the permanent program update.
How to download Hardwipe
Getting the free version of this software is as simple as visiting its website and downloading the executable. You can do it with confidence because you will not receive advertising or bloatware, it is also virus free
The installation is simple and guided so you will not have any problem to start destroying your data as soon as you want.
Before downloading it, check the version of your operating system since the only thing that Hardwipe requires is a Windows 10, 8 or 7 but always 64-bit.
Varied options if you don’t want to install Hardwipe
Eraser
The main difference between this program and Hardwipe is that it offers more deletion methods and works with all versions of Windows from Windows XP. It is also free and open source so you can make improvements if you have the right knowledge.
Try this data shredder by clicking here .
Permadelete
This free and open source program has a nice design, is extremely simple and easy to use. The only option you have is to choose between looking for the folders or files to destroy or, simply, dragging and dropping them in the user interface.
Download this simple solution on their GitHub page and start deleting your data.
HD Shredder 5
The free version of this program is distinguished from the others because it deletes the data more quickly. However, it does not propose an alternative to the other advantages offered by the other programs.
Get your free version on their website .