Sharp PCMM20 User Guide - Page 12

PC Disposal or Transfer Prior to the disposal or transfer of your computer, you should erase the data from hard disks. To remove the data from your hard disk drive, you will need to: • "Delete" the data by placing it in your recycle bin. • Empty the recycle bin. • Format the hard drives. • Recover the system. The above procedures do not completely delete all data from your hard disks. When a file is deleted, the disk location where it is stored is marked as unallocated space available for new data. However, the old data is still there and can be recovered unless new data is written. Because of the reason, malicious persons can recover the "deleted" data and misuse it. To avoid the data spillage, users must thoroughly erase all the data from the hard disks. The following measures are recommended for permanent data deletion: • Use special software or paid services for thoroughly erasing data • Hammer, or strongly magnetize, the hard disk to destroy the stored data Be sure to delete the software, such as operating system(s) or applications, on your hard disk when transferring your computer, to avoid conflict with the software agreement(s). Other Precautions • Periodic back-up copies of your important data should be made to protect your data in the event of hard disk failure or loss of the data. Use other storage devices for the backup. (Data loss or alternation can be caused by: malfunction, repair or misuse of your computer: improper change of the battery pack: damage by static electricity or electrical noise.) xii