But, when it comes time to replace their old and outdated computers with new systems, are all necessary steps taken to properly protect the information that may still reside on the old computers. Companies and individuals must ensure that all information is totally destroyed and not recoverable before they lose control of their systems. The information on your computer and disks is a valuable asset, and we must ensure that it is protected or completely destroyed. There are many different types of storage disks, from the simple floppy disk to the large volume IDE and SCSI hard disk drives. Disks provide long-term, inexpensive method of storing information.
Disks have different physical characteristics as well as different software requirements.
The method of connecting the disk to the computer can also be different. But, the basic concept for all disk types is basically the same. The number of cluster or sectors used to store files or programs can expand and contract depending on the size of the file or program. The operating system also keeps track of what cluster or sectors contain previously stored information that cannot be overwritten and what clusters or sectors are free for the system to use to write new information. Deleted Files Contrary to popular belief, deleting files and programs on disks does not erase or overwrite the information on the disk.