Data deletion

Dear Heloise: Most people think that by deleting material on their computer, they have effectively erased all of their past personal data. Well, they haven’t! If you are going to dispose of an old computer, it’s always best to make sure that none of your personal information is on there. The steps are too long to go into in your column, but people probably should hire a professional, who can protect them by erasing all of their personal data. Don’t risk letting someone get hold of your banking or investing information, as well as the addresses of family and friends. — Glen D., Titusville, Fla.

Solving a socking problem

Dear Heloise: I enjoy reading your column in the Dayton (Ohio) Daily News! I have a solution to missing socks. I bought some 2-inch safety pins, paired up the socks and wove the pin through the toes of each pair. My wonderful husband unpins them in the a.m. and re-pins them in the p.m. when going to bed. Then they are tossed into the laundry basket together. If the sock material fades a little, it all stays the same. — Carole M., Kettering, Ohio

Emergency phone

Dear Heloise: I really don’t need a mobile phone at home, but I keep a simple, no-contact phone hidden in the center console of my car just in case I need it. Pay phones are nearly a thing of the past, so this would be helpful in an urgent situation, like a flat tire, or worse. — Carol J., York, Pa.

Carol, great idea, but be sure that phone is charged when you need it. Readers, check out the next letter for another cellphone hint. — Heloise

Reference checks

Dear Heloise: I’ve worked in human resources for over 20 years, and I have a piece of advice for job applicants: Please do not have a friend or family member call a place where you once worked and pretend to be a potential employer doing a background check. I know every- one is curious, but there are some serious problems that might knock you out of the running for a job you really want:

■ No matter how much someone wants to help you, it’s entirely possible he or she will ask illegal questions (such as date of birth) or get too inquisitive about your work history. This sets off a red flag. We wonder what you’re so afraid we’ll find out.

■ Don’t assume you can sue a former employer just because your friend heard negative information from the person he or she spoke to. Your friend’s word will not hold up in court, especially if the information is true.

— A Reader, via email

When to trim

Dear Readers: Be sure to check your dog’s nails. Do they need to be trimmed? If so, make sure a professional trims them so you don’t accidentally cut into a vein or skin. — Heloise