The simplest and most direct way to permanently delete files or folders is by using the Shift + Delete keyboard shortcut. This instantly removes the selected items, making it the fastest way to delete ...

Whether you're clearing space off of your hard drive or want to remove some embarrassing pictures from your recent workplace get-together, it pays to know how to permanently delete images from your ...

A reader asked me how he might safely donate a computer to a local refurbishing group. "Our son-in-law takes the hard drive out and destroys it with a hammer," he said. "Is that the best way?" Unless ...

This article was taken from the October 2011 issue of Wired magazine. Be the first to read Wired's articles in print before they're posted online, and get your hands on loads of additional content by ...