Computer Retirement 
Objectives
Student will understand the importance of removing sensitive security
data from hard drive before the transfer or disposal of a computer.
Student will be aware of erasure program options.
Student will be aware of alternative computer disposal options.
Introduction
Sensitive
data referring to private and personal information is quickly accumulated onto
a computer hard drive as we perform computer transactions, information sharing,
or information transfers. Even if we
delete a page, empty the trash bin, and empty the recycle container, the hard
drive still contains that retrievable data.
When a computer is transferred to another user, donated, recycled, or
sent away for repair, sensitive data should be permanently overwritten or
destroyed.
Activity
Review
the following web sites to learn about data removal and erasure from hard disk
drives, as well as PC disposal options.
Did You Know
- In 2003 two MIT students purchased 158 used disk drives from various
locations and found more than 5,000 credit card numbers, medical reports,
detailed personal and corporate financial information, and several gigabytes
worth of personal e-mail and pornography on those drives. [From site]
http://news.com.com/2100-1040-980824.html. Site last visited
Before
You Retire That Computer – This Microsoft security report written in
January, 2005 is loaded with tips on how to reduce your risks when selling or
discarding computer hardware. Click on
the Ali boxer icon for more links to information concerning protecting your PC
from online security threats.
http://www.microsoft.com/athome/security/update/donatecomputer.mspx Site last visited
Data
Removal Recommendations – This document published by the computer and
information services of
http://www.brown.edu/Facilities/CIS/Doc/datarmv.html Site last visited
Formatting
a Hard Disk Drive - It's
important to remember that "format" and "delete" do not
mean erase! Reformatting a disk does not erase the data
on the disk, only the address tables.
[from site] Webopedia
Encyclopedia explains key terms to understanding hard disk formatting and the
steps of the process.
http://www.webopedia.com/DidYouKnow/Hardware_Software/2005/harddrive_format.asp
Site last visited
Data
Removal and Erasure From Hard Disk Drives – This tech resource article from
Action Front Data Recovery Labs reiterates methods commonly used to remove files
and security information from a hard disk drive. This site answers questions about the
recovery of over-written data. http://www.actionfront.com/ts_dataremoval.asp.
Site last visited
Obsolete Technology
Website – Just for fun ! Visit this
page to view old, antique, rare, obsolete computers. If you return to the Main Page, you will find
links and information on computer history, museums, and researching computer
technology. Computers can be expensive
and go out of date quickly!
http://oldcomputers.net/pics.html. Site
last visited
Assignment
Compose
an essay stating the best way to retire a computer. Recall past experience of inheriting a
computer, transferring ownership to someone else, or the disposal of a computer. List the pros and cons of the various methods
of disposal. Consider whether
individuals have the same concerns as businesses. Are you aware of legal disposal procedures
for your neighborhood? Does your work
place enforce a disposal procedure and policy plan? Be sure to include specific erasure programs
and/or data services which have worked for you.
Submission
In the Discussion
Assignment area of the Blackboard course site, select the forum labeled, "Computer
Retirement," and add a new thread that expresses your opinion and
perspective on this issue. You may also
choose to post your activities as an html file to the McDaniel Web Server and create
a link to the file on your index page. You should respond to at
least one of your group member’s postings.
Send your
instructor an email notification containing a hot link to the assignment (not
to your index page) and the assignment file's URL. Remember that all email correspondence with
your instructor should have the following subject line: SLM521-Lastname-Assignment Name (& elective number if
applicable).
Rubric – The following criteria will be used to evaluate this assignment:
|
|
Non-acceptable |
Developing |
Accomplished |
|
Prior Experience |
No mention of experience |
Mentions experience with vague description/details or reaction |
Well developed and engaging description that conveys the essence
of the experience |
|
Information Removal Methods |
No mention of how to clean or erase information from hard drive |
Methods are mentioned but descriptions are unclear |
Descriptions
are clearly written and supported with several specific details; conveys that
erasure is more than deletion command |
|
Disposal Methods |
Only one method of disposal is considered |
Options are listed but not discussed. |
Disposal method options are clearly expressed |
|
Method Concerns: Pros and Cons |
List is not clearly connected to the method(s); |
List is short with few balancing arguments or perspectives being
offered |
Description list contains information on the usefulness and
purpose of the method as well as limitations or risks. |
ISTE Standard - This
course activity addresses the following ISTE Standards:
I. TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS AND CONCEPTS.
Teachers demonstrate a sound understanding of technology operations and
concepts. Teachers:
A. demonstrate
introductory knowledge, skills, and understanding of concepts related to
technology (as described in the ISTE National Education Technology Standards for Students)
B. demonstrate
continual growth in technology knowledge and skills to stay abreast of current
and emerging technologies.
VI. SOCIAL, ETHICAL, LEGAL, AND HUMAN
ISSUES.
Teachers understand the social, ethical, legal, and human
issues surrounding the use of technology in PK-12 schools and apply those
principles in practice. Teachers:
A.
model and teach legal and ethical practice related to technology use.
A complete listing of all
ISTE standards can be found at:
National Educational Standards for Teachers - http://cnets.iste.org/teachers/t_stands.html
This course
module was created by Patricia Jimenez
for SLM 521 Fall 2005 at McDaniel College.