Productivity Gains from Defragmentation

Is your computer hard drive operating at optimum efficiency? One of the main causes for a slow computer is fragmentation, a phenomenon that occurs when your computer begins to scatter your data on the hard drive each time you delete, save or modify a file. The best way to avoid fragmentation and speed up a slow computer is to run a defragmentation software program on your system regularly.

One of the major benefits of defragmentation is that it can speed up a slow computer. As any computer owner knows, whether you are using your PC for business or personal use, a speedy processing speed is of the utmost importance. If you're a business owner, you know that well-running computers drastically increase efficiency in the workplace.

 

To understand the benefits of defrag, you must first understand how defrag works. When files are modified and resaved, they may not fit into the same space they previously occupied on your hard drive. Thus, the hard drive is forced to split excess information and store it on your system in the next available space. Files become fragmented as parts of files are stored in different locations. Each time that same file is modified, it is split even further. It begins to take your computer longer and longer to retrieve files. Aside from making your PC run at an annoyingly slow speed, fragmentation can shorten your computer's lifespan, since the hard drive works much harder than necessary to retrieve the parts of a fragmented file. Fragmentation can also cause delayed start-ups and system crashes.

 

Defragmentation essentially reverses the problem of fragmentation by cleaning up the hard drive and organizing your files next to each other for easy retrieval.

Defragmentation is the process that fixes the problem of disk fragmentation and increases computer speed, performance and lifespan. You can speed up a slow computer significantly by defragging your system. A defragmentation program is just as important as anti-virus software to extend your computer's life. How often you defragment your hard drive depends on the kind of work you use your computer for and how often you use it. If you use programs that create multiple temporary files – like scanning software – you will need to defragment more often.

 

Three options for getting defragmentation software are available:

Most PC's come with a built-in defrag program by Windows. While this is already part of your system, built-ins make it a long process to defrag a computer as it can take hours to run. A built-in also randomly skips over defragging some of the files and you cannot work on your system while the defrag program is running.

 

The benefit of freeware is that it can be downloaded at no cost. However, it's important to keep in mind that freeware potentially comes with viruses, no safety measure and no technical support should you have questions. Downloading a virus or spyware masquerading as freeware can put you in worse shape than you were to begin with!

 

The best option by far is to purchase a commercial defrag program, such as PerfectDisk 10 by Raxco. Purchased software comes with technical support, many additional and automatic features not available via built-in or freeware programs. They are virus-free and have safety controls so that hackers cannot access personal information such as personal identification numbers.

When you defragment your computer, it takes less time for your PC to gather files, as they are not broken up into pieces. The defragmentation process reorganizes your hard drive storage and assembles files in contiguous blocks. When running defragmentation software, do not use "quick defrag" programs or modes. Instead, use the most complete mode for best results. Before you start, keep in mind, the process of your computer moving thousands of files takes time. Let your computer defrag overnight and the process will be complete in the morning.

 

The best defrag software recognizes which programs you use most often, and places those files on the disk so your hard drive can access them as quickly as possible. Your computer performs better and lasts longer if you defragment your hard disk periodically.

 

Defragging often, or using auto-defrag software such as Raxco's PerfectDisk, can make your computer last longer and avoid potentially fatal computer crashes. If you have a laptop computer, you also extend your laptop battery by reducing the amount of power wasted on file retrieval. It is recommended that you back-up your hard drive before defragging, because the process does modify the drive. Hard drive defragmentation software is relatively inexpensive and a valuable investment for your computer. Improve efficiency in the workplace – and on your home computer - by defragging often.

 

 

ArticlesBase. (n.d.). Why it is important to learn about computer defragmentation. Retrieved March 26, 2009, from the Articlesbase Web site: http://www.articlesbase.com/software-articles/why-it-is-important-to-learn-about-computer-defragmentation-537079.html.

 

Bhandari, T. (n.d.). Understanding fragmentation of a computer hard drive. Retrieved March 26, 2009, from the Helium Web site: http://www.helium.com/items/860862-understanding-fragmentation-of-a-computer-hard-drive.

 

TransWorldNews, Inc. (2008).Slow computer fragmentation- How to halt slow computer performance. Retrieved March 26, 2009, from the Trans World News Blog Web site: http://blogs.transworldnews.com/defragmentation/Post.aspx?postID=16816.