Remember that post I made about three weeks ago about why deleting a file on a computer doesn’t actually delete it? In it I made quite a big deal as to how the fact that files kept without you knowing can be a huge privacy and security risk, especially if they are of a sensitive nature. However, there’s another side to the story as well. Files that haven’t been permanently deleted can actually be a GOOD thing. Confused? Well, let me explain.
Stop me if you’re familiar with this scenario. Your friend/work associate/person you know needs a favour from you and asks you to create a document for them. You, being a particularly helpful person, get the task done quickly and send him a copy. He says “thanks” and walks away with a copy of the work you just gave him. Satisfied that you won’t need your copy any more, you delete the file. Then later you decide to empty your Recycle Bin, and the file completely disappears from your computer. Suddenly, your friend/work associate/person you know contacts you to tell you he’s lost his copy and needs another, but you don’t have the original work any more because you deleted it!
If you’ve ever had such a scenario, you probably know just what a nightmare it can be. And you’ve probably wished you could undo your foolishness and “un-delete” the file you just deleted. Well, I’m pleased to say you can stop freaking out and start relaxing, because you can! Read the rest of this entry »