What does deleting do on Mac systems?

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Level 1

3 points

What does deleting do on Mac systems?

Hi everyone. This is a question I'm really concerned about.

If I hit delete for Mac, does it get completely removed from the system? For example, if I delete something, then it ends up in Trash, I delete it there, is it completely removed from the system?

See, I was a Windows user, and it wasn't the case there. Windows just removes it from Trash Bin but it's archived somewhere, and you can't find it. Therefore, you could clear your Recycle Bin/Trash Bin, and your space is still diminishing.

Can someone help me? Like how do I ensure the files that I delete are completely removed from the hard drive so that my space can be utilized as best as possible.

MacBook Pro

Posted on Jan 17, 2012 1:29 AM

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Answer 1

X423424X

Level 6

14,271 points

Jan 17, 2012 1:48 AM in response to azrimiskal

In general terms, files are accessed through a directory structure. When you do a non-secure erase in the trash the directory entry is removed and the disk space for the file made available for future use by any data that needs it. Theoretically the file could be recovered (Data Rescue claims to be able to do this) but the probability goes down as time goes on since the space will eventually get reused.

If you do a secure-erase the file data itself is overwritten to destroy it. This is why a secure erase takes longer than a non-secure erase.

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Answer 2

azrimiskal Author

Level 1

3 points

Jan 17, 2012 2:11 AM in response to X423424X

Hi, thank you for replying. Can you explain how do I do a secure erase in trash bin?

Sorry, really new at using Mac.

Would appreciate it a lot! (:

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Answer 3

X423424X

Level 6

14,271 points

Jan 17, 2012 2:48 AM in response to azrimiskal

Here's two ways to do a secure empty trash in the Finder:

1. Right (control) click on the trash in the dock to bring up the contextual menu. If you also push the command key the "Erase Trash" contextual menu item will change to "Secure Empty Trash". Select it with the mouse and and release the mouse (unclick).

2. In the Finder menu you will see both Empty Trash and Secure Empty Trash. Select Secure Empty Trash with your mouse.

You might want to look over the following documentation:

Mac 101: The Grand Tour: Introduction

Mac 101: Mac essentials

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