shred_file For Linux

shred_file is a Nautilus script that allows you to shred files.

***CAUTION***

Do NOT use on device files like /dev/hda. If you need to shred these files, refer to the shred man pages.

***CAUTION***

Use of this script on a file will make recovery impossible, even with the more expensive file recovery solutions.

This script will shred the input file, after confirmation. You will also be notified, when shredding is complete. (Should this be removed?)

· Obviously you need to have the shred utility installed and in your $PATH. Since there are some misconceptions/worries about the shred utility regarding ext3, I will put it simple:

If your /etc/fstab file contains an entry for an ext3 partition, and that entry uses 'data=journal', then the shredded file can still be recovered. If your /etc/fstab file contains an entry for an ext3 partition, and that entry uses 'data=ordered' or 'data=writeback', then your file is gone for good.

· This script also makes use of zenity. This also works well as a Nautilus Action. See the included screenshot for my example configuration.

Extract the script, then set executable like this:

tar zxvf ./shred_file.tar.gz sudo chmod +x ./shred_file/shred_file

To run the script is easy:

shred_file dirty_little_secrets

where "dirty_little_secrets" is the file you wish to shred.

This also works well as a Nautilus Action. See the included screenshot for my example configuration.

The nautilus-actions utility can be obtained if you run the following command:

sudo apt-get install nautilus-actions

to download and install the utility.

Requirements:

· Nautilus · GNOME 2.x · GTK 2.x