Distinguish Delete and Erase, wipe and shred

New listening is Wiping, shredding, deleting, erasing seems to have the same meaning, but in essence, these operations are completely different meanings.

You can "delete" a file without "erase" it, or "erase" the data on the hard drive without "wipe" this hard drive, or you can "wipe" hundreds of files at once . Probably This concept is causing ambiguity for many people, even for people who regularly use computers.These four terms - wipe, shred, delete and erase - are sometimes used interchangeably, causing unnecessary mistakes.

When working directly with files, folders on a hard drive, flash drive, or some other storage device, we understand the nature and differences between the four concepts.

Let's explore the thoughts of each concept and its application in practice.

'Delete': Simply hide data

This term is most commonly used in practice.For example, a colleague asked if you still saved the work document file in your computer and you answered that you "deleted" it already, or your friend asked if you "deleted" their sensitive photo at the party. Last night - 'I deleted'.Surely, the majority of your colleagues will be slightly disappointed because the document has been "deleted", or your friend feels relieved when you have "deleted" that picture because they understand the content that has been deleted and cannot be retrieved.

But the truth is that when we "delete" certain data on the computer, on smartphones, on digital cameras, or similar devices, we don't really completely remove them from the device. , but just hide them.The data that we "delete" is still there.

The actual data that you delete is still there, but the space used to store it is now marked as the area where the operating system can start storing newly overwritten data (ie you tell the OS that You no longer need the other data and the OS can use that space for other content).

For example, when you delete a file in Windows, the file will be moved to the recycle bin (Recycle Bin) and will be there forever until you decide to "permanently delete" them by deleting the Recycle Bin.A similar feature appears on most smartphones: deleting photos and videos by including them in a special folder still occupies memory space and does not delete data (although most devices will delete them after 30 days).

The data "deleted", especially the recently "deleted" only data can easily be recovered by data recovery software like GetDataBack, or Data Recovery, and a lot Other software that we can find on the Internet.These are savior when we accidentally delete the necessary data, but it will be a big problem if we really want to delete that data completely.

In short, when we perform "delete" data, we only hide it and make it harder to find.

'Erase': You will never see them again

The term is also often used in the sense of removing something completely.Before "Erase" data you will have to consider carefully.In information technology, this term is often used in the sense that it no longer exists.

If we no longer want to use data on a hard drive or memory card, portable memory device, or other memory device . It is best to "wipe" or "scrub" that memory.These two methods differ only in the extent of deleting data only.

In short, when "erase", data will be very difficult or impossible to recover.

'Wipe': I'm going to erase everything!

This term is often used when we want to clean up everything currently on the hard drive, or other storage device.That means including data that we can see, access and "delete" data.

Software used to delete the entire drive is often referred to as data destruction software.The mechanism of these software is that through one of the methods of destroying data, they will divide the drive into small pieces and overwrite the new data.

In short, the "wipe" hard drive means that we permanently delete the data on that hard drive.So need to consider carefully before performing "wipe" hard drive.

'Shred': I will only delete this file

When we talk about "shred" some data, usually at least one file or directory, which means we will permanently delete only the selected files and folders.Regarding the operation mechanism, "shred" is the same as 'Wipe', only at the range of data to be deleted.'Wipe' runs over the entire hard drive while "shred" applies only to selected data areas.

This is done with specialized "shred" software data or built-in other software.It is not difficult to download these types of software from the Internet, they are referred to collectively as file shredder.

In fact, "Shred" is often used more "wipe" because this operation usually has a simpler and easier to use process.

In short, "Shred" is also a permanent delete of data, but on a smaller scale.

So will the Format be Delete or Erase data?

If you are a normal user, have previously performed a "storage" format of a storage device, you would think that it is the only way to permanently delete data in a large storage area.Actually it is not so.

On all versions of the Windows operating system, when we perform "a quick format", it means deleting temporary data, which means we "delete" all the data on the device. stored, not "erase" them.That's why the Format process is done very quickly by computers.

See more:

1. Manage and delete browsing data on Microsoft Edge
2. Thoroughly erase data in any way?
3. Delete data from your computer: Make sure all the files you put in the Trash actually disappear
4. Do you know how to delete data?