Ccleaner Vs. Defrag

The performance of a computer system is only as high as the steps taken to maintain it. CCleaner and disk defrag are both tools that are ideal for solving system problems and improving the general functioning of your computer. While the tools are different in their functions and the way that they are run, they share the system optimization agenda.

CCleaner

CCleaner is a system optimization, privacy and cleaning tool that is designed to safely remove programs, applications and unnecessary files that consume system resources with no added benefit to your computer. It allows Windows to run faster by freeing up hard disk space. It also cleans the registry and removes unnecessary entries left over by uninstalled applications. It also repairs missing ActiveX applications and DLL files that are used by applications and Internet to run properly. CCleaner maintains privacy by deleting browser cache and history to protect your personal information.

Defrag

Defrag (disk defragmenter) is a system tool that comes with Windows operating systems. Its purpose is to defragment fragmented files. Fragmention scatters files all over the computer and causes your hard disk to work harder every time you attempt to access them. Not only does a fragmented drive damage the hard disk, it also slows the computer and causes freeze problems. Unlike CCleaner, the defrag tool does not delete files, but merely collects them from the scattered locations so that you have quicker access to them.

CCleaner Installation

Because CCleaner is a third-party system optimization software, you have to download and install it on your computer, unlike the defrag tool. To install CCleaner, it's important to make sure that your computer meets the system requirements (500 GHz CPU processor and 64 MB RAM) necessary to handle it. CCleaner is completely free; therefore, once your have determined that your computer meets the requirements, download the installation file on your computer and run it to install CCleaner on your computer.

Expert Insight

It is important to defragment your computer system at least once a month, especially if you use it to constantly download and install programs, files and applications. As the computer use increases, files become more and more fragmented and can increase the likelihood of errors such as the "Blue screen of death." You should also clean the registry frequently because its performance is extremely vital to the performance of the rest of the computer. You should never attempt to manually clean the registry if you are not skilled at doing so; instead use CCleaner, because it's safer than doing it yourself.

Misconceptions

Cleaning the registry is not a more important function than defragmenting your computer system. While they are entirely different system management processes, they are both extremely vital to the performance of your computer. Not all the errors of your computer can be solved by cleaning the registry or defragmenting your hard disk. Some of the errors on your computer system can be a result of malicious tools such as viruses and trojans; therefore, running frequent virus scans in addition to these other tools improves your computer's performance.

References

• Using CCleaner
• Disk Defragmenter Tool

Resources

• CCleaner Download