By Nick Peers
Berlin-based software powerhouse O&O has released a brand new version of its data-shredding tool for Windows. O&O SafeErase Professional 5.0's stand-out new feature is an analysis tool that searches the hard drive for deleted data it considers to be unsafe, providing the end user with the security that all sensitive files, even those deleted prior to the program's installation, have been removed from the computer.
O&O SafeErase Professional also searches for Internet data such as cookies, temporary files, forms and passwords, plus temporary Windows and program files. All the user has to do is launch the main program, click the "Start Analysis" button and wait for the program to search for these insecure files and settings. Once complete, they can be cleaned from the computer with a single click.
O&O SafeErase Professional 5.0 can also be used to securely delete individual files and folders, either from within the main program or through Windows Explorer by right-clicking the item in question. The program also has options for deleting entire partitions or drives, plus it can securely wipe all existing free space of any leftover files and also be used to wipe the entire computer prior to disposal.
Six methods of deletion are available -- the more secure the method, the slower the data shredding process. The Analysis tool can be configured to exclude certain types of file from the search, ensuring the user stays in full control of what data is scanned and subsequently cleaned.
O&O SafeErase Professional 5.0 is available in both 32-bit and 64-bit versions, and requires Windows XP or later. A 30-day function limited trial is available, while the full program costs €29.90.
Copyright Betanews, Inc. 2010
