Format computer question!!?

I've heard that even if you format the computer, your private infomation could still be retrieve, is that true?
Recently I joint a recycle computer program through Best Buy.
I format my computer by myself, but I'm not sure if other people who receive the parts of my computer could retrieve my information.

Hey so-so and Welcome to Apple Discussions,
I've heard that even if you format the computer, your private infomation could still be retrieve, is that true?
Yes that is true. If you're throwing sensitive info in the trash you should use secure erase:
http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?path=Mac/10.4/en/mh475.html
If you want to securely erase your hard drive use the security options:
http://support.apple.com/kb/TA24002?viewlocale=en_US
Richard

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