Defrag your computer – how and why your computer is defragging
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I’m sure you’ve heard it a million times by now, “You should really defrag that computer.” You might have even gone ahead and done it. But what is it? Why are you bothering with a computer defrag? Are there any programs out there better than the Windows defragment tool? Continue reading to find out.
Why a computer needs a defrag
First of all, what is a defrag of a computer doing and what is the importance here? I’m sure you’ve been Given the basic statement of "Organize your hard drive." They want the gritty details? If you're more into practical applications, skip a few paragraphs. Each computer keeps track of where their files are identified by a File Allocation Table. Think of the hard disk as if it were a chart. Then you could draw a chart and say "this is coordinates X = 2, Y = 4, X and Y planes. The hard disk has such a thing. There is a note, the file"Music.mp3" is given in one place. The computer then determines the data in this section of the disc. Save the data in a sequential method, where possible. Think about how a band that is recording your soaps. At some point, you will fill your band, but that's ok, you can eliminate some of the bands above. But what happens if you delete shows the first hour and third hour, while the second, where was it? You have two hours of free bandwidth, but are notsequential. Can you still save a 2 hour long show without erasing your 2nd show?
In a computer, it turns out the answer to that question is yes! The file allocation table will simply make a note that the file starts at one point, then breaks up, and finishes at another point. The hard drive can still read the file as one contiguous piece of data. Ok, if you’re still with me, you’re probably wondering, “…and your point is what?” While the computer can deal with that “fragmented” file, it slows it down some because it has to jump around to find both parts of the file. This is a very basic example. Many computers have tons of files fragmented across 5,10,15,20, or more sections of the computer! That will significantly slow down your access time to those files! The answer is to defrag that computer!
How to defrag that computer
To defrag a computer is simple. I’ll assume we’re talking Windows here. Go to Start> Programs> Accessories> System Tools> Disk Defragmenter>. Select Disk Defrag to defragment and hit! This is all to do! If you do not want the Windows defragmentation, there are alternatives. I personally recommend Disk Keeper, and many people like PerfectDisk. She usually does not perform a similar function as the Windows defrag tool, but in less time.
