A normal DOS/Windows file deletion only removes all references to a file.
The data remains on the drive until another file happens to overwrite it.
Anyone with a disk utility and a desire to read the file can usually
recover the file in its entirety, even years after it has been deleted.

Executive Document Shredder is a utility that "shreds" a file in such a way
that it cannot be recovered. This is useful for sensitive data that you would
rather someone not see, for example, competitors, your parents, or the
F.B.I.  By putting it in the directory specified by PATH= in your config.sys
file (usually C:\DOS or C:\Windows\Command), it can be used from within any
directory. 

Usage: SHRED [path] filename.ext

Under Windows 95, it can be added to the associations for .TXT,
.DOC, and other files by selecting View -> Options from any Explorer window,
and selecting the File Types tab. Once you register SHRED.EXE with them,
it will appear on your right-click menu for these file types.

The program will ask you to confirm the shredding of the file before
destroying it. Please use this program with caution, as a shredded
file can *not* be recovered. Make absolutely sure that you no longer want
the specified file.

We've tried very hard to make this program fast, compact, and reliable.
A similar Windows-based program created by another developer will set you back
$20 and gobble up several megabytes of disk space; this one occupies about 
40KB. EDS will shred a huge 16MB file in under 30 seconds on most hard drives.
Shredding of normal-size documents is near instantaneous.

This program is "donationware". Unlike many shareware products, this is a
free, fully functional program with no "nag" screens telling you to register.
If you decide you like this utility, a donation of $5 or so would be greatly
appreciated, especially for multi-site uses, to help ensure the quality of
future programs. See below for contact information.

This program may be distributed to anyone, but not for profit, as long as
both it and this text file are distributed together and unchanged.

If you have any problems or questions concerning EDS, feel free to Email 
the creator at bgip@ix.netcom.com, or go the 'old-fashioned way' and send
some snail-mail to:

GIP
8413 Crescent Ct.
Willow Springs, IL 60480


Release history
---------------
Version 1.0a (8/28/97): Fixed a minor bug that caused the "% complete" display to only 
	      partially show up when shredding small documents.

	      Increased the number of passes the shredder makes over the 
	      document. Shouldn't greatly affect shred speed.

Version 1.0 (8/20/97): Original release.


Executive Document Shredder v1.0a README, 8/29/97