DD Command

drmjh · 01-08-2013, 12:05 PM

I am re-habing a laptop, that I don't use much anymore and want to wipe the disk, using the DD comand. This wil be a good
opportunity to 'put the disk memory' into good order.
I plan then to install windows xp first, followed by Ubuntu. (Unfortunately I need windows to do my income taxes).
I would appreciate some advice, especially the appropriate code. Though I have read and continue to read about the DD command on this
site, this is my first chance to use it.
Matthew

TobiSGD · 01-08-2013, 12:13 PM

Actually, there is no need at all to wipe the disk using dd for the task you want to accomplish, it will be nothing more than a waste of time and stress for the hardware.
Just proceed with your installations.

For the sake of completeness, the correct command to wipe the disk would be

Code:

dd if=/dev/zero of=/dev/sda bs=8M

You can play with the blocksize to get better performance, the size which gives the best performance depends on your hardware.

drmjh · 01-08-2013, 02:43 PM

Thanks for your advice.
I have an OS currently on the laptop that will have to be wiped, along with some data. I thought that as long as I have to wipe it, ....
Matthew

suicidaleggroll · 01-08-2013, 02:49 PM

Windows will wipe the disk as part of its installation, no need to do it ahead of time.

drmjh · 01-09-2013, 09:45 AM

Thank you.
It's been many years since I installed Windows. It is settled then. Boot-up and install windows, then re-install Ubuntu.
Matthew