Defragmentation and Improved Performance

If you are interested in improving computer performance, you may be considering purchasing hardware upgrades or memory upgrades. Defragmentation software is an easier and less expensive option. Defragging your computer can:
    • boost your computer's performance
    • extend the life of your computer
    • free up disk space
    • help your computer run faster
    • save you time and money.
Longer-lasting computers also mean fewer computers are discarded, meaning less e-waste in landfills.

Defragmentation Basics

What is defragmentation? When you buy a new computer, much continuous available free disk space is available. Your computer can easily locate and open files and run programs. Over time, as you add software and store documents, your computer's hard drive becomes less organized. Data ends up stored in bits and pieces, or fragments, scattered around the hard drive. Portions of a single file may even end up stored in different parts of your hard drive. This is called fragmentation.
 
When a hard drive is fragmented, the available free space is also separated into small bits of available space across the drive. Fragmentation slows down all aspects of computer operation from file retrieval to running programs.
 
Defragmentation is the process of reorganizing information stored on your hard drive in an orderly way. Once a computer is defragmented, the gaps between bits of data are closed, creating sections of well-organized data, and large areas of free available disk space.

Improving Performance with Computer Defragmentation

Defragmenting your computer is a great way to improve computer performance issues. It is simpler and less expensive than computer hardware upgrades. Here are some of the many benefits of defragmenting your computer:
  • faster file searching and access
  • faster file transfers, particularly between different hard drives or computers
  • file saving and reading time is improved
  • games and other large programs load faster
  • improved time for editing, loading and saving large video files
  • quicker time booting up operating system.

Saving Money Through Improved Computer Performance

If you use computers for business, improving computer performance with defragmentation can save you money. You and your employees will spend more time on business and less time waiting for programs to load and open. Increased productivity can lead to increased profits.

Computer Defragmentation Software

Finding defragmentation software is easy. Many operating systems already have defragmentation programs in place. You can find your internal defragmentation software through the "All Programs-Accessories-System Tools" menu and clicking the "defragment" option.
 
However, you may also wish to purchase defragmentation software, which often contains more options than the software that comes with your computer. Here are a few features to look for when buying defragmentation software:
  • Access to a help desk: Many companies have technical experts on hand that can help you with any questions you have about the defrag process, or walk you through defragging your computer.
  • Automatic scheduling: This feature allows you to defragment at a time that is convenient for you. You can chose to defragment daily, weekly or when the screensaver is running.
  • "Smart" file organization: This software identifies the most frequently used files and organizes them according to your individual patterns of use.
  • Free space consolidation: This technology stores new files contiguously and allows and creates the largest areas of free space possible.

Defragmentation Tips

Regular defragmentation will help you to get the most from your computer. Remember that more often you defragment your computer, the less time each run will take. The defragmentation programs you can purchase may run faster than those that come with your computer.

Resources
 
Crowder, C. D. (2007). How to use regular defragmentation to increase computer performance. Retrieved March 1, 2009, from the Associated Content Web site: http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/358289/how_to_use_regular_
defragmentation.html?cat=59.

Jelsoft Enterprises, Ltd. (2009). Storage: Defragmentation, why and how. Retrieved March 1, 2009, from the Extreme Overclocking Web site: http://forums.extremeoverclocking.com/showthread.php?t=125334.

Raxco Software, Inc. (2009). PerfectDisk 10 Professional. Retrieved March 1, 2009, from the PerfectDisk.com Web site: http://www.perfectdisk.com/products/public-sector-perfectdisk10-professional/learn-more.

Other Topics in this Section