need software to permanently delete files

If you want to delete something like a document and be sure it is not recoverable than Eraser is a good choice. http://majorgeeks.com/download4221.html
If, however, you want to delete programs, then it is better to do so through the add/remove icon in the control panel.

 

Hi

You can also perminently erase files with the first suggestion in CCleaner in going to its Options > Settings menu then clicking Secure File Deletion (slower) and choosing a method, in which most of the methods are used by the military and corporates to securely erase data, it will be slower the more passes used. CCleaner is great for removing all the accummulated junk and temporaty files that are not needed now.

http://img165.imageshack.us/img165/6805/83815343ds9.jpg

So a Simple Overwrite (1 Pass) or DoD 5220.22-M (3 Pass) will suffice in most cases, just depends on how sensitive your data is.


As mentioned if you wish to free up space, its good to uninstall applications you dont need anymore, or if using XP or Vista delete all but the last know System Restore point from Disk Cleanup.

Right click your C drive and choose Properties > then Disk Cleanup > Files from all Users > More Options tab and then Cleanup under System Restore



If you have a desktop and dont use Hibernation then you can purge its file, which can be in the GBs, to do this.....

Disable hibernation in XP

Click Control Panel > Power Options > choose Hibernate tab > Uncheck Enable Hibernation box to disable > Click OK

In Vista

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/920730