Time to toss your old computer – What about the data?

Are you thinking about recycling or reselling your old computer? If so, your first step should be to delete the data on it. Having data stolen, lost, or misplaced contributes to the ever growing number of people who are affected by identity theft. It can also cause corporations to lose more than data and money.  

So how do you get rid of that data? Simply deleting your files and emptying your recycle bin only deletes the record of your file, but not the data that it points to. It’s like removing the labels from the folders in your filing cabinet. The folders and information still exist, but retrieving the data now takes more time and effort.

The same is also true if you reformat your hard drive. It is also possible for someone with the right tools to retrieve the data.   

If you are planning on selling or recycling your computer, it is recommend that you use a utility tool that overwrites every sector of the hard drive. Alternatively, we can we look after wiping off all of the data from your hard drive or we can physically destroy your hard drive.

Lastly, don’t forget about your other storage devices such as USB flash drives, iPods and mobile devices that can also contain private information. These should be erased using the manufacturer’s recommendations before selling or recycling.

So where can you bring your computer to be recycled? The following locations will all accept electronics for recycling.

Kelowna	Boucherie Self Storage & Bottle 2711 Kyle Road	250-769-7122
Kelowna	Columbia Bottle Depot (Central) 1988 Kirschner Road	250-763-2500
Kelowna	Columbia Bottle Depot (Rutland) 680 Dease Road	250-765-9115
Kelowna	Columbia Bottle Depot - St. Paul 1314 St. Paul Street	250-763-2554
Kelowna	The Battery Doctors 1972 Windsor Road	250-860-2866
Lake Country	Winfield Return-It-Centre #4, 11852 Highway 97 N At Lakewood Mall	250-766-2973
Westbank	Planet Earth Recycling 2035B Louie Drive	250-768-0878

- Janet F, Marketing Coordinator

Northern Computer - Your Trusted Partner
#1 - 495 Banks Road Kelowna, BC V1X 6A2
Phone: 250.762.7753 Fax: 250.861.1861 Toll-Free: 1.877.257.2896
Email: sales@northerncomputer.ca or service@northerncomputer.ca
Web: http://www.northerncomputer.ca