Software for erasing personal data?

I've been wanting to sell my R3000 for some time but have been reluctant to do so because of the threat of having my "personal information" on the hard drive stolen even after doing a basic reformat. I would like to know what software is recommended prior to selling a computer/notebook? What process should I take so that none of my personal information or otherwise could quite possibly be in whomevers hands.

Thanks in advance.

 

****, I have a really good program that was free when I sold a laptop...I have to find the disks to see the name, I'll check back.

(btw...it did DoD I believe and was VERY easy and seemingly fast)

UPDATE:

Here's a good list under "Data Destroyers" in the security section...also, take note of this page for other reasons, a wealth of great free software.

http://www.ramsinks.com/software.asp#security

I have the files...I just have it as "Disk Wipe". Pretty generic name. Anyways, I have the files zipped, if you would like me to e-mail them to you, PM me with your addy (or anyone else interested). It's enough to fit on a floppy disk.

HTH,
MD31

 

ccleaner has an option for secure file deletion. under "options->settings->secure file deletion"

You can choose between 1,3,or 7pass overwrite...

...or you can swap Hdd's

http://www.thefreecountry.com/security/securedelete.shtml

 

Eraser57 is good and free.

35 pass should nuke it. Set it to whip free space too.

 

Thanks everyone--this should definitely be of some help.