Every day, millions of files are created and then deleted – shred into little bits and tossed out into the ether. Or, at least this is what many people assume. The truth about deleting downloads, however, is a little more complicated. Depending on the situation a user is in, this can be a good thing or a bad thing. To get through some of the sticky computing situations we find ourselves in, we need to understand how this works.
Deleting desktop shortcuts is a great example of how many types of deletion exist. As most operating systems are kind enough to warn us, deleting a shortcut does not remove the program. It merely removes the path to the program itself.
The same is true of deleting other downloaded files. For example, deleting the file entry in a download manager usually does not get rid of the file itself. To do this, users have to go to the actual file location and delete the file manually. Even programs that allow you to completely remove files directly from their interface often leave the containing file folder and other related files. To be sure, you should always check the original location.
Deleting a file will send it to the recycle bin. The file can still be recovered very easily by going to the recycle bin and clicking “restore”. Most users know that they need to empty the recycle bin to fully remove it.
What is less commonly known, though, is that emptying the recycle bin does not fully erase the data. Users cannot directly access the data since the path has been erased. But, until newer data has been written over the erased file, it can still be pieced back together.
This is where recovery software, like System Optimizer Pro, comes in. If you have accidentally erased important files, you can use these services to dig down into your computer and get your data back. It is important to remember not to save anything to disk until you have fully recovered all the files you want. Otherwise, you risk permanently deleting the files.
Others have the exact opposite concern. For privacy reasons, many people want to completely wipe certain data from their drives. Some people make this a part of regular maintenance, while others want to make sure their computer is clean before selling it. Several file shredder software programs are available online. Some are free, but others charge. Users have to look carefully at what each program offers and select the option that corresponds best with their needs.
Managing the files on your computer is a never-ending task. However, this constant vigilance will pay off as your computer will run more smoothly in the long run. When it comes to deleting downloads, whether for privacy or just normal upkeep, remember that data runs deeper than it appears to at first glance.
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