If data security is a concern, but we want to retain the media, then a three-pass overwrite with varying bit patterns may be the only viable option, as formatting may not clear the sectors. Of course, the only foolproof way to make sure the data is unrecoverable is to destroy the media. On Tue, May 18, 2021 at 10:32 AM Dave McGuire via vcf-midatlantic < vcf-midatlantic@lists.vcfed.org> wrote:
If I remember correctly, Bernoulli cartridges are factory low-level formatted and cannot be reformatted in the field. If this is the case, bulk erasing them will render them useless. Don't just assume that this is a good approach.
-Dave
On 5/18/21 10:29 AM, Bruce via vcf-midatlantic wrote:
Bernoulli disks are magnetic media, no? Wouldn't a bulk tape eraser be a more secure means of erasing these cartridges? Bruce NJ
On Tue, May 18, 2021 at 10:04 AM Jeffrey Brace via vcf-midatlantic < vcf-midatlantic@lists.vcfed.org> wrote:
Someone donated two 10x10 Bernoulli drives to VCF. They are in unknown condition. She gave us the manual, a cable and one cartridge. She wants to donate the remaining cartridges, but would like to supervise the deletion of the data they have on them. So we need one in working condition first.
As I understand it, the drives need a special card on an "older" PC to operate. She disposed of the PC that had that card.
Is there anyone who has this card and can get these drives in working order so that the lady can delete her data?
========================================= Jeff Brace Vice President & Board Member Vintage Computer Festival East Show-runner Vintage Computer Federation is a 501c3 charity http://www.vcfed.org/ jeffrey@vcfed.org
-- Dave McGuire, AK4HZ New Kensington, PA