Lumberjack

Clear and Protect Private Data on Your Computer?

So im taking my laptop to geek squad tomorrow to get a hinge fixed and every time i go there im pretty sure they go through your folders and files from what i have read and been told, so my question is.. how can i clear all my personal data that may be hidden on random folders that they would know about, how do i permanently delete items for good that i deleted out of my recycle bin, and is there anyway way to lock or put a password on a program so they cannot access it? i have heard RUMORS of some employees secretly putting hidden key loggers on computers and disable the anti virus so it will go unnoticed. i know it is illegal for them to do this but who seriously is going to stop them? and id rather take precautions rather than give up private info and photos and what not. i would also like to add that i don't want to add any programs to clean up, just steps and places to look for hidden info. thank you! no, im not trying to hide porn, is it wrong to want all of your personal data to be hidden? i dont like the thought of strangers possibly going through family pictures or studying my computer habits. yes i know it sounds over protective, but privacy is the one thing that we are losing in America and is important to prevent curious eyes, rather than not and find out you had a password hidden and have a cleared out bank account. thanks! and also my warranty is through them so it is the only place i can go

Public Comments

1. Seeing as though you don't want to add new programmes I can't help you, I have a few a method more secure than the DOD..
2. its just a business to them. unless its childporn they really would not have a second through about it
3. look around for password protrction prgams like the ones schools ues but it going to cost ya
4. If all they are doing is repairing a hinge, then there is absolutely NO need for them to load the operating system, nor to look at any data on the hard drive. My advise to ensure you have complete control over the data on the hard drive? Remove the hard drive before you bring it in. Laptop hard drives are easy to remove and replace, it should take you less than one minute. You can bring the hard drive with you when you come to pick up the laptop, and if they insist that you put it in the laptop, only do so if you are standing there WITH THEM the entire time it is powered on. You must be able to see the screen. There is no reason that they must inspect anything on the hard drive, and they should have no reason to try to look at anything. Just make sure they can't do anything without your permission. If they refuse to do the work without the hard drive, take the laptop back and find another place to get it fixed. EDIT: I wasn't trying to imply you had porn. I understand the desire for privacy, but my above statement stands. If you don't want them to see what's on the hard drive, don't give them the opportunity to.