Are you about to replace your old computer with a brand new one? What will you do with the old one?

Well, whether you give it away, throw it away or donate it to a worthy organization, make sure none of your personal and business information goes with it.

Many people assume that all they need to do is delete their files and the job is done. Unfortunately the information superhighway is littered with bodies who learn too late that information was often retrieved by others who used data recovery software to recapture those files.

To be sure you deliver that computer clean, use special wiping software that will overwrite and permanently delete all of your data.

One of the best products on the market is DataEraser from Ontrack. It costs $29.95. Go to www.ontrackdatarecovery.com or call 800-872-2599 to buy it.

Then be sure you use it before getting rid of that computer.

Here are more simple ways to protect yourself from identity theft.