How to Format a Hard Drive in Mac OS X

If you're looking to upgrade your Mac, or just need to erase a drive, this guide will walk you through the process.

Step 1: Back up data Back up any data you wish to keep using a USB flash drive or your computer's recordable disk drive.
TIP: Formatting the drive will erase all the data permanently, so be sure to save everything you need or want.
Step 2: Insert CD Insert the installer CD and reboot the computer. You may need to enter a username and password upon startup and then select your language.
Step 3: Select Disk Utilities Click on Menu and then Ulilities, and then select Disk Utilities.
Step 4: Choose disk to erase Choose the disk you wish to erase and click on the Erase tab. Select a format from the pop-up menu and then enter a name for the new drive.
TIP: You may also click on Options and select Additional Security Preferences.
Step 5: Finish Format Finish formatting the drive by clicking Okay and then hitting the Erase button. A full format of a primary drive may take several hours to complete.
FACT: On March 30, 1858, Hymen Lipman filed a patent for the first eraser by attaching a piece of rubber to the end of a pencil.