Darik's Boot and Nuke (DBAN) is a self-contained boot image that securely wipes* the hard disks of most computers. DBAN is appropriate for bulk data destruction.

DBAN will automatically delete the contents of any detected hard disk, which is why it is an appropriate utility for bulk or emergency data destruction. In order to install DBAN, you need to burn the file to a blank disc and boot the computer with it.

DBAN is a good way to ensure your data is erased from any hard drive when you are recycling your PC. If you are thinking of selling your PC, then DBAN is another way of preventing identity theft, and a good way to totally clean a Microsoft Windows installation of viruses, malware, and spyware.

DBAN can prevent or hinder all known techniques of hard disk forensic analysis. Basically, this means it writes over the existing data, making it virtually impossible to recover the previous data.

DBAN has been designed for the home user, and although it is good at what it does, the interface is a little clunky to get to grips with. Unless you are used to using similar applications and are familiar with file systems, DBAN may not be the choice for you.

*Although DBAN is a good product, there are some product limitations, i.e. there is no guarantee that DBAN can completely erase 'all' data. It does not detect or securely erase Solid State Drives, and there is limited hardware support, customer support or regular software updates.