How do I erase everything on my old computer.
How do I erase all content on my old computer?
iMac Line (2012 and Later)
Question marked as
Top-ranking reply
In computer tech (file-system level) internals ...
ERASE / DELETE means : deleting only the 1st two bytes of filename in file-system,
entire file's content remains intact , DATA-RECOVERY is possible easily to get that file.
WIPE means : deleting each bits of a file, then delete 1st two bytes of filename in file-system,
entire file's content is gone or zeroed, general DATA-RECOVERY is NOT possible to get that file.
Erase is faster, but Wiping takes longer time.
If a utility/tool gives option to WIPE during ERASE, then choose that if you want to really/completely delete it.
So, take steps, based on what you want to do/achieve.
Use Disk Utility to erase an Intel-based Mac - Apple Support
Use Disk Utility to erase a Mac with Apple silicon - Apple Support (AppleSilicon ~= apple ARM M1/M2 etc).
How to reinstall macOS - Apple Support
Doing a FACTORY-RESET is another option, allows to start everything from (almost) new.
During factory-reset (see below link), you can run Disk Utility & ERASE all with WIPE option enabled.
Erase your Mac and reset it to factory settings - Apple Support
Be ready to provide your internet wifi base-station ID/name & password, etc , to (down)-load the default factory macOS or new macOS.
