Fragmentation



The term fragmentation is associated with the performance of simple day-to-day tasks of computers using Microsoft operating system. Fragmentation occurs when files are deleted, downloaded and modified. With daily use, the hard drive performance starts to decrease, because parts of a file do not remain close to one another – the fragments of the computer file get fragmented.

Another reason for fragmentation to occur is due to the files being written physically onto the hard disk and they are to be recorded over a unit of space. Computer files can be erased, expanded as well as copied and this results in the fragmentation of the space on the disk. The computer has to find all the individual sections of a file for opening it, closing it and modifying it. The more time it takes to find a file, the more effect it has on the performance of your PC.

Defragmentation

Defragmentation is actually a system process that takes pieces of stored files and re-arranges them. You have to reorganize the hard disk, so that the files are stored together in proximity. This entire process is known as defragmentation. Disk defragment is possible only if free disk space is available and then only you will be able to use defrag software in a correct way.

The regular defragmentation of a hard drive will include downloading of files, browsing the Internet, creating and deleting items, installing, uninstalling and other tasks. A Disk Defragmenter rearranges stored items on your computer, so that you are able to speed up your system's responsiveness.

How to get started with the defragment

Windows Vista undergoes defragmentation automatically. If you are using any other Microsoft Operating system, then you will have to manually run the defrag tool for your system. The steps for disk defragmentation are simple. If you defrag your computer after many days, then it will take about an hour or even more to defrag the hard disk drive(s).

Make space on the hard disk drive, before you start disk defragment. Making sufficient space requires you to empty the recycle bin, remove temporary files like internet files, store large media files on a back-up storage device and delete any unused applications.

After you have been able to clean up the unused and unwanted files, you can start with the defragmentation process. The disk defragment can be in process in the background as you can carry on with other computer work. It is advisable that you have some free time to let the defragging run.

Save the file that you have been working on and close all the applications.

To defrag the hard disk drive(s) you have to do the following:

• Open Windows Explorer and then right click the drive that you want to defrag, such as Local Disk (C:). Next, you have to click Properties and select Tools tab. Click on the Defragment Now button.

• You can also click on the Analyze button to find out if your disk needs to be defragmented. If the Defragmenter recommends defragmentation, you need to press the Defragment button. When the disk defragment is in process, you can also pause or stop the defragmentation.

After disk defragment your PC will be gaining in performance. You can go for defrag occasionally to ensure that your computer offers optimal performance.