Basics of Computer Defragmentation

Keeping a computer in tip-top shape includes running a defragmentation program. Defragging helps keep files organized in one place on the hard drive, which in turn speeds up your computer's performance. In fact, even the simplest documents can compile into a disorganized mess over time. As your hard drive fills up with information, files are fragmented and strewn across the landscape of your hard drive's inner workings.

Computer Defrag Basics

The complex design of a hard drive makes it easy to save and retrieve thousands of pieces of information. Each time you save a document, it's broken up into multiple bits that go into sectors, or clusters, on the hard drive. As you add other documents and load new software, these clusters begin to fill with information. They also develop gaps, as information is deleted or saved to a new sector.
 
The computer finds these space gaps when it saves a new document. If a file is too large for one particular gap, it will find another one to hold the file's overflow. These gaps eventually spread across many clusters in your hard drive. This is called fragmentation. In turn, each time you retrieve a document, your computer searches all the clusters to bring those bits and pieces back together. The further files are spread out, the longer it takes to put them together. In addition, a heavily fragmented hard drive will experience delays in loading programs. Users may also see frequent crashes along with system freezes, or unresponsiveness.
 
What is defragmentation? It's a process of reorganizing each file's bits and pieces into sequential order. Defragging is simply a sweep of the hard drive, gathering, rearranging and putting things back in order. When the program finishes, computers typically run faster and more efficiently. Routine defragging keeps computers running smoothly.

Troubleshooting Defragmentation of Files

If you're having problems running defragmentation software that's built in to your computer, you may see these issues.
  • freezing
  • inability to handle larger files
  • requirement for more disk space and resources for operation.
If you want to resolve these and other complaints, it's time to consider a third-party solution, or using a defrag program that's available for purchase online.

Advantages of Third-Party Defragmentation Programs

Third-party defragmentation programs are software programs available for purchase and download. While you can defrag your hard drive using a built-in program, this may not be sufficient to fully clean your drive and fix all problems.
 
Scheduling is one of the main advantages of third-party programs. You can set the defragger to run automatically during idle times. That means you don't have to worry about keeping a hard drive clean, nor will you have to wait for a convenient time to run the scans. Defrag programs operate in the background, sensing when the screensaver comes on, for instance, before they go to work.
 
In general, these software programs also run faster than built-ins. You'll be getting the latest technology. In addition, you'll find various levels of defrag for all users, from home and small business to large networks. For larger businesses, computer slowdowns directly result in delayed projects and loss of productivity.

What to Look for in Defragmentation Software

You'll find a wide array of defragmentation software reviews when researching third-party programs. They'll give you a solid understanding of the advantages of choosing an outside vendor. You'll also have an idea of the program's pros and cons, which will help you decide on what to purchase. Some features to consider include:
  • Disk cleanup. Before running a defrag program, you'll want to empty your recycle bin and clean up any excess files. In addition, emptying temporary internet and cache files beforehand will save time during the process. Some software programs handle this cleanup for you.
  • Ease of operation. Built-in programs are probably easiest to use, but you now know they may not be the most effective. Third-party products come with more advanced features that provide flexibility in scheduling, file placement, file exclusion, and moving special files that the built-in tool can't move.
  • Free space issues. If your hard drive is filling, some programs won't operate properly. Find out what each requires - they may need as much as 20 percent free space while others require only 5 percent.
  • Selective file defragging. Some defrag software has the capability to let you specify files for cleanup. That means you won't have to deal with a full scan every time - just the documents or programs you've been accessing most recently.
  • System file defragmentation. Built-in programs typically don't defrag system files. These may be parts of programs that are running during the scan or are necessary to your computer's basic operation. A boot defrag program can clean these up, keeping everything tidy. The only disadvantage to this process is that it can be slow.
Ultimately, when your hard drive is heavily fragmented, your computer suffers. Files and programs may become unstable or corrupted. Systems become so slow that individuals believe a replacement computer is the only answer. Computer defragmentation software can easily solve many issues that, if left untended, can lead to an irretrievable system crash.
 
Resources
 
Bcit.ca (n.d.). The ten dumbest things people do to mess up their computers. Retrieved March 1, 2009, from the British Columbia Institute of Technology Web site: http://www.bcit.ca/its/security/articles/2009-the-ten-dumbest-things.shtml.

Blogs.transworldnews.com (2008). Computer disease disk fragmentation - Preventing catastrophe with defragmentation software. Retrieved March 1, 2009, from the TransWorldNews Web site: http://blogs.transworldnews.com/defragmentation/Post.aspx?postID=19153.

Boyers, B. (2008). Fragmentation main culprit behind computer network slowdown. Retrieved March 1, 2009, from the eCoustics Web site: http://news.ecoustics.com/bbs/messages/10381/463434.html.

Howtogetridofstuff.com (2008). How to get rid of disk fragmentation. Retrieved March 1, 2009, from the How to Get Rid of Stuff Web site: http://www.howtogetridofstuff.com/computer-problems/how-to-get-rid-of-disk-fragmentation/.