Wiping HDD Before Donation

[SFVivian]

I'm feeling a bit overwhelmed by the number of software programs available to wipe HDDs.  I have two laptops that I want to clean before giving to charity and I would like to use a program on my newest laptop.  I'm looking for suggestions on which software is easy to use and thorough in cleaning personal info, files, etc.  Because the oldest laptop isn't wireless and I'm having trouble getting it working with DSL, I would prefer a software that comes with a CD.

Thanks,

[Huffer · Accepted solution]

The best wiping software is free. It is dban (Darik's boot and nuke) and you can download it here:

Dban download

This is free (donation optional) but comes as in .iso or cd image. Download the .iso file and using your CD burning program or the free Windows plug-in called ISO Recorder:

ISO Recorder

simply burn the program onto a CD, boot from the CD and use the autowipe function. You can also go into the advanced memu and do a full Department of Defense type 30-pass wipe from which nothing can possibly survive.  

[SFVivian]

Thanks for your help.