Better Computing with Defragmentation

If you are not an expert in computer software and you were wondering how to optimize a hard drive, you may have asked the questions, "What is defragmentation?" or "What is system defragmentation?" Defragmentation is an important part of optimizing a hard drive. It is also one of the least expensive and most overlooked methods of getting your computer to run more efficiently. Whether you use your PC for business, personal use or in the public sector, regular defragmentation maximizes your computing experience, making your computer faster and more efficient, as well as increasing its lifespan. 

Understanding Computer Defragmentation

When your computer was brand new, it probably ran very quickly and without problems. A new computer has the advantage of large blocks of available free space on its hard drive. This means that all files are stored contiguously, allowing all functions to run smoothly.
 
Fragmentation occurs naturally in a computer over time as files are added and deleted, leaving holes on the disk drive where files once were. Sometimes parts of a single file can be stored at opposite ends of the drive. As a result, your computer's free disk space is divided, or fragmented into small sections, rather than being an uninterrupted, useful block. This is called fragmentation. Fragmentation causes problems with computing, including:
  • extra time needed to access files spread out over multiple areas
  • slower booting and running of programs due to lack of available blocks of free hard drive space.
Defragmentation is the process of reorganizing or "optimizing" your hard drive by arranging all the bits and pieces of data contiguously. When troubleshooting, defragmentation of files is an excellent first line of defense for your computer. Defragging will likely make your computer faster and more efficient.

Benefits of Defragmentation

When thinking about how to free up disk space, many people consider purchasing additional memory and drives. Defragmentation is an easier and less expensive option. Regular defragmentation has many benefits for computing. Here are just a few:
  • Environmental benefits: Regular defragmentation can extend the useful life of your computer. A longer computer life leads to less polluting waste when old computers end up in landfills.
  • Increased productivity: Defragmentation helps computers boot faster and reduces program loading and processing time. The productivity of your business increases as less time is wasted waiting for computers to be ready to function.
  • Better performance and more free time: When a computer is defragmented, all systems run more efficiently. Whether you are surfing the Web, listening to music or preparing spreadsheets, you will be able to use the programs you choose quickly and easily.

How to Defragment Your Computer

It is easy to defragment your computer. Many operating systems have defragmentation software included. You simply have to select the disk defragmenter option in the "All Programs-Accessories-System Tools" menu. Then simply click "defragment." However, some experts claim that this is not the best way to defrag your computer, since some files may be missed or the whole hard drive may not be scanned.
 
You can also purchase defragmentation software for your computer. Programs are available with applications for business, home use or the public sector. These packages include additional features that your internal defragmentation software may not have, including:
  • access to customer service or a help desk to answer your questions

  • defragmentation sessions that can be scheduled at your convenience either daily, weekly or when the screensaver is running

  • manual defragmentation when desired

  • option to defragment your entire drive or only selected files

  • software designed for business and public sector use, which can defragment an entire network, protecting servers and individual workstations.
These programs often run faster than the software that comes with your computer, and can operate on drives with less than 1 percent free space.
 
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.

Peltier, A. (2009). What is defragmenting a computer? Retrieved March 1, 2009, from the Wise Geek Web site: http://www.wisegeek.com/what-is-defragmenting-a-computer.htm.

Raxco Software, Inc. (2009). PerfectDisk: The smarter way to defrag. Retrieved March 1, 2009, from the PerfectDisk Web site: http://www.perfectdisk.com/.

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