Zer0 0.25.2.31

Overview

Every user has his own set of personal files that he wants to keep secure, but sometimes- for one reason or another- some of those files might have to get deleted and never recovered. Well, if you try and use Windows’ delete function and expect to be safe with that, you’re gonna have a bad time. To completely destroy data from a hard disk you need a tool that can delete files with certain methods that prevent future recovery; a tool like Zer0.

Installation

Running the installer will open up dialog that asks you to select the language you want to use throughout the installation procedure. Right afterwards the wizard will open and in just a small number of steps the installation will finish. At some point you’ll be prompted to Accept or Decline installing RelevantKnowledge, an application classified as spyware/adware by most antivirus software, so make sure to decline the offer. When the installation finishes you’ll have to deal with 2 other additional 3^rd party software (pirritsuggestor and RegClean Pro) too.

Supported operating systems are Windows XP, 7 and 8.

Interface

Its interface is very simple with no unnecessary buttons and features. There are 3 buttons on the menu bar that let you add files to the deletion list, select and remove files from the list as well as open the log file for reference purposes. The file deletion list holds all files you want to safely delete from your computer in a session and takes up most space in the program’s window. Below the list is the “Delete” button that initiates the deletion process and a progress bar next to it.

Pros

Zer0’s biggest advantage is that it requires nothing more than a few clicks to delete files with it. You can add files either by using the menu bar option (File -> Add Files) or by using the Drag and Drop feature implemented to save time browsing for your files in the explorer. In addition, a new context menu entry is created and lets you directly delete files with Zer0 (right-click on a file and select “Delete with Zer0”). To securely delete the files in the list, just click the Delete button and wait until the process is complete.

The file list has 3 columns: File, Size and Message. The first one displays the location of the file, the second one displays its size and the third one tells you whether the file was deleted successfully or not.

Cons

• No information is given on what kind of deletion method is used to shred files.
• Cannot delete folders.
• Too many additional software that want to be installed during the installation procedure.

Alternatives

Some alternatives to Zer0 with more features that offer several efficient deletion types are: Eraser (free), BCWipe (paid), Stellar Wipe (paid) and UltraShredder (free).

Conclusion

Zer0 is a small application for quick and easy data deletion. It could be improved in various ways, starting by having all those annoying advertised software that come along with the main program removed, and then by providing more details on its security. There are other, better substitutes for it currently.