Review of Top Defragmentation Programs

Over 700 million computers are active in the world today, and each one is affected by hard drive fragmentation to some degree. Hard drive fragmentation is unavoidable, but not irreparable. Fragmentation occurs as a computer stores files to the hard drive in a specific space. If after modifying the file, the space is not large enough to hold that file, the file splits and is save to multiple locations. As a result, accessing pieced files takes longer than if the file was continuous. As files are created, modified, saved and deleted, the computer begins to slow down significantly. If left untreated, disk fragmentation causes:
  • delayed startups
  • shutdowns
  • slow computer speed
  • system crashes.
Modern defragmentation software is fast and once it is installed, it works automatically. Most companies offer defrag programs that are available for all types of computer networks, ranging from home use to large corporations. While free defrag software is available, it can be highly inefficient or contain viruses. Freeware also does not offer technical support should you have questions or problems. Windows has a built-in defragger, but it contains many limitations when compared to professional software programs. If fragmentation is having a serious effect on your computer's performance, consider investing in a professional program. There are many great options available.
 
Professional programs ensure convenience, efficiency and quality. Some of the available features include:
  • Autopilot scheduling: It is important to look for a program with the option to schedule a defragmentation as often as necessary. Setting a schedule keeps the defrag process from interrupting your workflow. Some programs even offer the option to defrag when the screensaver is running, when the computer is idle or simply, on a weekly basis.

  • Central management: This feature is really helpful to businesses that use defragmentation across their entire computer network system. This feature offers an administrative interface that includes enhanced deployment, scheduling and reporting capabilities.

  • Free space consolidation: This feature can ensure that your hard drive has the largest piece of consolidated, contiguous free space possible.
  • Selected files defrag: This feature is important because it allows the user to select which files are defragged- a single file, certain files or the whole drive.
  • Single-pass defrag: This defrags the virtual drives, including all files and metadata, and consolidates free space in just one pass. With minimal-free-space requirement, an entire drive can be defragged with as little as 1 percent free space.
Compare the features offered by the top defrag programs to ensure you purchase the software that meets your needs.

Defrag Software Compare

The following is a review of some of the top rated commercial defragmentation programs currently available:
  • Diskeeper 2009 Professional - Diskeeper 2009 Professional is a reliable, highly-recommended defrag program. It is applauded for its speed as well as its ability to defrag three drives at one time.

  • O&O Defrag 11 - O&O defrag solution offers five different methods to defragment your computer depending on your needs. This software has a completely overhauled interface so usability is increased. Reliability puts this software at the top.

  • PerfectDisk 10 - PerfectDisk 10 is another highly recommended, top-rated defrag program. It offers a unique feature called SMARTplacement. This feature identifies the most used files and organizes them accordingly. This process encourages faster defrag passes, more efficient computer boots, delayed rates of fragmentation, reduced resource consumption and improved computer performance.
The two top performing freeware defrag programs include Auslogics Disk Defrag and Smart Defrag. These two programs have been reviewed as having the same qualities as purchased software, however, best practices dictates reading all of the fine print to ensure that you all of your needs are met.

Tips for Best Results

For the best results, close all running applications before the defragmentation starts. Turn off the screensaver as well; if any applications are open, the program stops running. Delete any temporary internet files and uninstall unused programs. The fewer programs and files present on the computer, the faster the process can be completed.

Long-Term Benefits of Defragmentation

Investing in a quality defrag program can save time, and money and decrease frustration. Performance and hardware life are restored, performance is maximized and the need for costly upgrades is reduced if you defrag regularly.
 
Resources
 
Fileforum (2008). Diskeeper 2009 professional 13.0.835-t. Retrieved on April 1, 2009, from the File Forum Web site: http://fileforum.betanews.com/detail/Diskeeper-2009-Professional/1005644888/1.
 
H-desk.com (2008, June 28). What is the best defragmentation software? Retrieved April 3, 2009, from h-desk Web site: http://www.h-desk.com/articles/What_is_the_best_defragmentation_software__a20_f0.html.
 
Perfectdisk.com (2009). Key features. Retrieved on March 30, 2009, from the
Perfect Disk Web site: http://www.perfectdisk.com/products/business-perfectdisk10-server/learn-more.