Deleted files?

What happens to deleted files?Like on myspace when you delete a photo what happens to it?Does it end up on the internet or what?And what about on your computer if you delete it from your recycle bin and it says its gone what really happens to it?I...

mean they can't just dissappear into thin air can it?Please explain the process thoroughly

If you delete something, the data is not actually removed; only the reference to that data is, and the area of the HDD where the data resides is just flagged so it's able to be written over. Once it has been written over enough times, then it is eventually destroyed.

When you delete something its isn't removed completely and can still be accessed. I believe Its callled yor digital footprint.

you need to posses advanced computer knowledge to retrieve deleted files.