How to Secure Delete Trash?

[JerTheGeek]

I only have about 25 GB of storage left on my 13 inch MBA, and last time I needed to clear some space, i was able to secure empty the trash. But i can find that option in El Cap, am I missing something or have they removed the option? I really need some help here figuring out how to empty some space...

 

[chucker23n1]

"Secure Delete" (overwriting the empty space with random data multiple times) made sense in the 90s on platter drives. It's become less relevant on newer hard drives. Your MBA has flash memory; not only is there no point in Secure Delete, but it's actually harmful since write cycles are limited.

 

[Shirasaki]

Well, to empty some space, delete downloaded files, remove unwanted applications, delete temp folder files, dig around and delete unwanted app support files, etc. This is my way.
But yeah, I could not find "secure delete" option either.

 

[Farthen]

This option is not available anymore because it was misleading. This only provided some security for computers with spinning hard disks. As more and more Macs ship with SSDs this option would lead somebody to believe their files were securely erased but in fact they wouldn't be.

As you are on a Macbook Air your main drive is very likely to be an SSD. This option would not provide any security in that case. If you want to be safe from people stealing your (deleted and not deleted) data, enable FileVault.

 

[dianeoforegon]

Download OmniDiskSweeper to help locate large files on your Mac. (free)
http://www.omnigroup.com/products/omnidisksweeper/

You can move the photo and music libraries to an external drive. Redirect the apps to look on external when launching by holding down option key to select library location.

 

[JerTheGeek]

Thanks for all the tips, I deleted old iTunes backups and plugged in my time machine external HDD to do a backup and now I have like 60+gb free. YAY!