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Eraser Software
Eraser software is a type of software that is used to permanently delete a file on a hard disk by wiping it by rewriting over the file numerous times. Whenever a file is saved on a hard disk, the file and its resources has been saved onto the hard disk with a header and a reference. When a file is deleted, only the reference is deleted but the data is still recoverable. The reason behind it is that when a file reference is removed the computer cannot access the data anymore so that if another file were to save onto the hard drive, the new file can overwrite the space of the old file. Since the "deleted" file is still stored on the hard disk, a data recovering program can be used to make the deleted data resurface by rebuilding the file header so that the computer can see the file again.

Purpose of Using Hard Drive Eraser Software
The purpose of eraser software is to have the program completely remove all traces of the file that is to be deleted. To do that, the eraser software will delete the file reference of the data and then rewrite the hard disk by running the hard disk through several passes. The passes is the program writing zeros over the original file to remove all traces of the original data from the hard disk. That is called zeroing out the drive. The more passes the hard disk goes through, the less chances of the original file being recovered. Therefore, an eraser software will make a file delete permanently. Most businesses and home users use an eraser software to ensure that none of their data can be recovered when they want it to be gone.

When to Use an Eraser Software?

 * Selling, throwing away, or donating an electronic device that has a hard disk.
 * Removing confidential documents.
 * Wanting to get rid of a file and never be able to recover it again.

Products
There are many software companies that make programs that can wipe a hard disk. Some of them are paid licenses while some are free, but the free ones will work just fine. The whole point is to rewrite the hard disk several times. The following products that are considered eraser software are:
 * CC Cleaner (Individual and Trial License).
 * Eraser (Free with open source).
 * Secure Empty Trash (Freeware and only for Apple computers).
 * Freeraser (Freeware).
 * DP Shredder (Freeware).
 * File Shredder (Freeware).
 * SDelete (Freeware).
 * DBAN (Free with open source). NOTE: DBAN will erase the entire hard drive. Only plan on using DBAN when a backup image of the hard drive has been made. DBAN also does not guarantee data removal, so it is recommended to run one of the products listed above before running DBAN.

Resources

 * http://mashable.com/2014/07/14/delete-files-permanently/