Link to web page that provides a step by step guide for wiping a Dell computer hard drive

Link to web page that provides a step by step guide for installing Linux on a old dell PC. This info is provided for a dialysis nurse who needs to wipe an old dell PC.

https://www.dell.com/support/article/au/en/audhs1/sln151664/how-to-install-ubuntu-linux-on-your-dell-pc?lang=en#Setup_the_Ubuntu_Install

Preparation: Be sure to plug in both a keyboard and a mouse. In the early stages of the procedure only the keyboard can be used. The mouse can be used once the graphical user interface loads (when Ubuntu is up and running).

Put in USB drive first: First put the USB drive in the PC. Turn on the PC after the USB drive is definitely plugged in.

After turning the PC on, quickly hit the F12 key on the keyboard. This should bring up a boot once menu.You can only use the keyboard keys to navigate the options. Choose boot USB.

Refer to the guide provided by the dell link above.

Important Notes: 

• We do not need to complete the install process and we do not need to connect to a network to download updates while the install occurs.

• At step 7 DO NOT download updates etc, leave the options here unchecked. If asked to connect to wifi via the following step - choose "I don't want to connect to a wifi network right now."

• For installation type just select erase disk and install Ubuntu. and then click the button that says install now.

• Unfortunately you may need to fill in some info under 'Configuring the Ubuntu Install.' Refer to the weblink for a guide.
  
  You could just enter dummy (rubbish but compliant) info all the way - we are only doing these steps to install over the drive and wipe the original data.

While the system installs some pictures will display highlighting the features of the Ubuntu system. The progress of the installation (and therefore wiping of the drive) will also be shown.

When the installation finishes you will see 'the Installation is complete' message. 

To confirm the drive is wiped, select the restart option (button).

This will restart the computer and load the fresh Ubuntu install which will confirm the hard drive is wiped.

As the computer restarts, remove the USB drive to ensure it does not load up again.

There are easier ways to wipe the hard drive using Linux methods but unfortunately I did not have any media to install dban onto and the instructions for using other methods seem a bit complex for the intended audience.

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