Defragmentation Increases Computer Hardware Performance

Computers are extremely useful for storing large amounts of data. This data can be stored in many different forms. Storage of information can become inefficient over time, however, and can cause decreased hardware performance. When related data is not stored in a contiguous fashion, hard drive space is used inefficiently and fragmentation occurs. Using defragmentation software helps your computer in the following ways:

A computer stores data in clusters of a specified size, usually 512 bytes, or characters. When data is stored into these clusters, a portion of the cluster is usually left empty. A file containing 600 bytes will be allotted two clusters. One is full and the other contains 88 bytes. This means that 424 bytes remain unused.

 

These pieces of empty disk space are scattered throughout the hard drive. The cumulative effect of these small pieces of disk space is that they will accelerate the fragmentation of new files, they slow down disk write since the read/write heads need to move across the disk, and they reduce the amount of real usable disk space for the user.

 

The process of creating, expanding or deleting a file is referred to as "churning." Churning results in file size changes and increased wasted disk space. Parts of newly created files are filled into the empty spaces between files. If these files are too large, related files become randomly scattered. Inefficient storage can result in hardware issues, due to excessive movement of the write head, which your computer uses to find and gather information.

Defragmentation software reorganizes your data and empty spaces. It moves related pieces of data next to each other so it can be accessed easily when it is requested. It also puts all the free disk space in one contiguous region so it is accessible when needed. This makes all computer processes more efficient and quicker.

 

Troubleshooting defragmentation of files can be difficult. Much defrag software, available for purchase online, provides customer support as you defrag your computer. You can schedule defragmentation software to run automatically during the middle of the night, when your computer is not in use.

Computer defragmentation is important to keep the machine working at its optimal speed. Delays in startups and shutdowns, freezing and crashing are only a few of the problems a computer can have. Troubleshooting hardware issues is often a difficult task. Defragmentation software can often facilitate the determination of these hardware issues.

 

A computer does not have many actual moving pieces of hardware. The hard drive is the only piece that can physically break. When a single file is stored in different regions of the hard drive, the write head must move to gather these pieces when requested. Over time, excessive head movement can result in hardware issues. By making files contiguous, it relieves the head of much of this unnecessary movement, potentially increasing the lifespan of the hard drive and alleviating the purchase of unnecessary hardware upgrades.

 

The major benefit of using defragmentation software is a more efficient machine that saves the user time and money.

Defragmentation software is available for use at home, in a business and in the public sector. Each type of software has specific applications for its uses. Different defragmentation algorithms use specific formulas to accomplish their goals. Some programs require the entire defragmentation process to run each time. Other programs can defrag an individual file, making the defrag process quicker.

 

 

Notenboom, L. (n.d.).What is defragging and why should I do it? Retrieved March 2, 2009, from the Ask Leo Web site: http://ask-leo.com/what_is_defragging_and_why_should_i_do_it.html.

 

Peltier, A. (n.d.). What is defragmenting a computer? Retrieved on March 3, 2009, from the Wise Geek Web site: http://www.wisegeek.com/what-is-defragmenting-a-computer.htm.