Follow up to previous postings on recovering data from discarded or resold computers and their hard drives, from the FTC: “Computers are a popular gift during the holiday season. People with a new computer often wonder about the best way to get rid of the old one. OnGuardOnline.gov, the computer safety Web site managed by the Federal Trade Commission, has some tips to make this task easier – and more secure. Passwords, health information, and other sensitive personal data should be saved elsewhere and erased off the old computer. This protects consumers’ privacy and safeguards them from identity theft. People who use their computers for work should check with their employers regarding the legal requirements businesses must comply with to secure and dispose of data. To learn more, including how to save and erase data, see Computer Disposal.”