Degaussing is a process used to reduce or eliminate the magnetic field of an object, often applied to computer monitors and televisions. This is important because magnetic fields can distort images on screens, leading to poor picture quality. By using a degausser, which generates a fluctuating magnetic field, the unwanted magnetism is neutralized, restoring the display to its proper function. In addition to screens, degaussing is also used in data security to erase information from hard drives and other magnetic storage devices. This ensures that sensitive data cannot be recovered, making it a crucial step in protecting personal and business information before disposing of old equipment.