I am looking for the best "permanent delete" program out there. I want it to do the perm. delete of everything - files, unused disk space, browser caches, histories, etc. EVERYTHING!! I googled it but SO many programs were mentioned. I like the 35x overwrite and the psuedorandom stuff. Basically whatever the strongest is. I want NO WAY for things to be retrieved, rescued, restored, recovered or resurrected. Anyway..suggestions are appreciated.

Also, from an anonymity standpoint - is downloading from bittorrents or newsgroups "safer"

I'll take the second inquiry first, look at Bittorrent like a hand gun, the problem is not so much you using it, but what you use it for. I believe you have to pay to use newsgroups but the subscription doesn't buy you immunity if you marked for prosecution.

Now regarding clean wipe, for all intent & purposes a zero-fill is deterrent enough for the average scavenger in the worst cases, provided you are done with that drive. On the other hand if you are looking for something that wipes on demand, there's a gob of programs out there that promises to thoroughness. So expect responses as diverse as the colors of the rainbow on that one.

I for one use CyberScrub and it's highest level of wipe is more than enough for me.

This is very good: http://www.heidi.ie/eraser/ It's FREE.

I have use it couple of times to wipe free space with no problems!

Recommened to read FAQ http://www.heidi.ie/eraser/faq.php

Programs I use and free secure are;
System Security Suite
Clean Up
Crap Cleaner
Eraser

" Please Post back to let us know if we helped "

A few others are ,
Internet Eraser

Internet Window Washer

" Please Post back to let us know if we helped "