• Use the Delete command.
• Format your hard disk drive or solid state drive, using the software for initializing it.
• Using the recovery program, provided by Lenovo, bring the hard disk drive or the solid state drive back
to factory-ship state.
These operations, however, only change the le allocation of the data; they do not delete the data itself. In
other words, the data retrieval processing is disabled under an operating system such as Windows. The
data is still there, even though it seems to be lost. Thus, it is sometimes possible to read the data by use of
special software for data recovery. There is a risk that people of bad faith may read and misuse the critical
data on hard disk drives or solid state drives for unexpected purposes.
To prevent leakage of data, it becomes very important that you take responsibility for deleting all the data
from the hard disk drive or solid state drive when you dispose of, sell, or hand over your computer. You can
destroy the data physically by smashing the hard disk drive with a hammer, or magnetically by means of
strong magnetic power, thus making the data unreadable. But we recommend that you make use of the
software (payware) or service (pay service) specically developed for the purpose.
For disposing of data on the hard disk drive, Lenovo provides the Secure Data Disposal tool. To download
the tool, go to the Lenovo Web site at http://www.lenovo.com/support.
Note: Running the application will take a couple of hours.
Using and understanding rewalls
If your system is preintalled with a rewall program, it protects against computer Internet security threats,
unauthorized access, intrusions, and Internet attacks. It also protects your privacy.
For more information about how to use the rewall program, refer to the on-line help that comes with
the program.
Protecting data against viruses
Your computer is preinstalled with an antivirus program so you can detect and eliminate viruses. The
antivirus program is designed to help you detect and eliminate viruses.
Lenovo provides a full version of antivirus software on your computer with a free 30-day subscription. After
30 days, you must renew the license to continue receiving the antivirus software updates.
For more information about how to use your antivirus software, refer to the help system of your antivirus
software.
Chapter 4. Security 79