There are many things that a computer user can do to keep his or her machine running efficiently. Improperly maintained computers will begin to slow down and take an inordinate amount of time to perform even the simplest tasks. Several maintenance tools, like defragmentation, are included in most operating systems. If user asks, How can I
speed up my Mac or PC? the answer may be defragmenting.
Drive defragmentation is a maintenance task that, if done routinely, will not only improve a computers performance, but may also increase the useable life of the machine as well. Once a user discovers what drive fragmentation is and what it does to a computer, the value of defragmentation will become apparent.
When you look at the file directory, it appears that all the data is stored in folders like a file cabinet. However, the files that appear to be in the same folder are not really next to each other. In reality, the folder view is merely an associational reference that links the files to the folder. The files themselves might be located in various sectors of the drive. In fact, even a single file may be fragmented and stored in multiple locations. The file directory is only a representation of the file/folder associations.
The computer will attempt to store like files together. However, the size of free spaces may not allow this; therefore, the files are stored in various locations and their associations indexed. A single file may be stored in a single location but if a user edits the file and the size outgrows the original space, the file is divided and stored in separate areas. The free space for file storage fragments from program installation and removal and the addition and subsequent deletion of files and data.
The hard drive read/write head must travel across the drive to search for and locate all of the parts of a file when requested. A highly fragmented drive will force the read/write head to search longer. Not only does this increase the amount of time needed to open a file or start a program, but it also increases the wear on the movable parts of the drive needlessly.
A defragmentation routine reads the data on the hard drive determines its associations and moves the files into contiguous sections based on those associations. It also reads the free space on the drive and assembles it into a large contiguous chunk. The computer is then able to function more efficiently because associated files are located together.
Because the drive head does not have to seek as long to find the necessary files, it may last longer, reducing failure and the need for drive recovery. Mac and
Windows data recovery is expensive; maintaining the drive saves you money.
