Wipe Free Space

[Youngbear]

Hello!

 

I have asked this question before, but did not actually receive an answer (received a comment more akin to a complaint), so, I will try again as it has been some time.

 

In intermediate user/layman's terms:

1)What does "Wipe Free Space" do?

2)Why or when would it be appropriate to use this item?

3)How will using this item affect my system performance?

 

Yes, I am aware that it will run for about one to two hours and that's why I don't have it ticked.

 

Win/Vista/32bit/premier home ed.

 

Thanks much!

YB

[Augeas]

1) Writes blocks of zeroes on all unallocated space on the disk. How thoroughly it does this - bad sectors, short blocks, etc. - I don't know, but I suspect it doesn't seek out every last byte.

2) Down to opinion, but if you're getting rid of your pc and you're leaving the op sys on then it would be a basic level of protection in securing your old data. Other users will probably have a different view.

3) Only when you're running it. It will make no difference afterwards.