Definition of a Disk Defragmenter
Disk defragmentation is the process of resorting all the data on a hard drive so that it starts at the beginning of the disk and is ordered in a sequential nature. Defragmentation is of vital importance to maintaining a properly running computer.
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History
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Disk defragmentation first became a standard utility with its inclusion with Microsoft Windows 95 became standard.
Function
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When a computer uses disk drives, the data is read and rewritten out of order many times. Defragmentation rewrites the data on a hard disk so that all files are written from start to finish and not spread across the entire disk out of order.
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Benefits
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Defragmenting a hard drive reduces the amount of time it takes to access and read a file. When a file is fragmented, the reading head of a hard drive must skip to many locations across the disk in order to fully read its contents. This skipping around increases read times and slows system performance.
Time Frame
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Depending on the size and number of disks your computer system possesses, a defragmentation procedure may take anywhere from several minutes to several hours. Most defragmentation software has a scheduler that will automatically run itself at night when no one is on the computer.
Warning
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All hard drives within a system should be defragmented at least once a month. Failure to keep your drives defragmented will result in markedly slower system performance.
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