Remove all data while keeping the Ubuntu

Question

I have an Ubuntu Latitude E6410 and for the past month and a half I have had other peoples data and online accounts on it. I don't want to remove something if it could cause any damage to the operating system. I also would like to know how to wipe the computer along with all the accounts and data (but with the Operating System perfectly safe) Can someone help?

Answer 1

Here is my suggestions:

1. First create a new user for yourself:

   sudo useradd -m newuser
   sudo passwd newuser
   

2. Then add yourself to sudo group:

   sudo gpasswd -a newuser sudo
   

3. logout from your user account and login with your new user.

4. now go to /home and remove everything except your new user's home directory, or use userdel -r username to remove other users.

Now all your data are gone however you have a running system with a freshly new user.