Many computer users fail to perform regular maintenance, like anti-virus scans and hard drive defragmentation. Failure to maintain a computer can lead to poor PC performance — slow computer speed, damaged and corrupted files and frequent computer crashes, among other issues — and as a result, valuable time is lost. A slow PC can even result in a monetary loss in the event that an individual purchases so-called "gimmick" software that promises to "Speed up slow PCs!" or guarantees "PC optimization" and "faster PC performance!"
In reality, regular maintenance is the most effective way to avoid a slow PC. Hard drive fragmentation is a common problem that gets worse with time. According to computer engineer John Simons, defragmenting a hard drive is one of the easiest ways to optimize a PC's speed and capabilities. What's more, virtually all PCs and Macs come with hard disk defragmentation software.
Computer Hard Drive Fragmentation and PC Speeds
Every computer has a hard drive; it's the computer's "brain" and "memory." As the PC is used, files are constantly created, revised and deleted.
Disk fragmentation occurs when a file is "split" between two locations. Simons explained it like this: "Let's think of the hard drive as a line of cabinets; files are stored in those cabinets. We begin by putting File A in Cabinet 1 and File B in Cabinet 2. Then, you delete or "shred" File A, thereby freeing up the space in Cabinet 1. Next, we create File C. The PC's hard drive wants to save that file in the first vacant cabinet it encounters – Cabinet 1. But there's a problem: File C is a bit too large for the cabinet. We can't expand Cabinet 1, because Cabinet 2 is in the way. So we put half of File C in Cabinet 1 and the other half goes in a third new cabinet, Cabinet 3."
Simons continued with his analogy, adding, "Here's why fragmentation results in a slow PC: If we're looking for File C, we need to go to two 'cabinets' instead of just one. It takes more time to visit two cabinets versus just one, and over time, it can result in a very slow computer, because we're retrieving data from hundreds of different locations on the PC's hard drive."
Why is it Necessary to Defragment Hard Drives?
Normal computer use makes it necessary to "defrag" a hard drive, since normal use of the computer results in the creation and deletion of files, which are stored in multiple "cabinets."
Hard drive defragmentation involves rearranging the files and reconstructing the "cabinets," so each file is stored in one location. This will speed up hard drive operations, since the files are accessed in a more effective manner.
The Microsoft Windows website provides a succinct explanation of why "defragging" is necessary: "The fragmentation makes your hard disk do extra work that can slow down your computer...[The Microsoft Windows 7] Disk Defragmenter rearranges fragmented data so your disks and drives can work more efficiently."
When to Defrag a Hard Drive on a PC
Many hard drive defragmentation software programs have a "scan" or "analyze" feature which enables users to analyze the hard drive to determine the extent of fragmentation. Generally speaking, if hard drive fragmentation is at 10 percent or above, it will begin to [noticeably] affect PC performance and speed.
Therefore, it's best to run the defragmentation program if the hard disk scan reveals a degree of fragmentation that's above 10%. Notably, defragmenting a hard drive that's only 2% fragmented will not have any adverse affect.
Simons indicated that in order to ensure optimal computer speed and performance, hard drive defragmentation should be performed on a weekly basis or with every 20 hours of use. "This also means it will take less time to defrag a hard drive – it can literally take hours if you wait weeks or months to run the defragmentation software," he added.
How to Defragment a PC
To degfragment a hard drive, one must begin by locating the disk defragmenter software. On PCs with Windows 7, use the following steps to find the disk defragmenter:
- Click the "Start" Menu
- Select "Control Panel"
- Look under "Administrative Tools"
- Select "Defragment Your Hard Drive"
In older versions of Windows, the PC's defragmentation software can also be found by using the "Find" tool and searching for terms like "defragment,"'defragmenter" or "Utilities."
Once the computer's defragmenter is open, ensure that the hard drive (also known as the "C" drive; the Windows 7 default name is "OS (C;)") is highlighted in the menu. In most cases, the hard drive will be highlighted by default.
Select "Analyze Disk" to determine the percentage of fragmentation on the hard disk or skip this step and click "Defragment Disk" to begin the automated process. Some third party software programs have an additional step that involves re-analysis of the hard disk following "defragging."
Notably, external hard drives and portable storage devices like USB flash drives can also benefit from defragmentation. The defrag process is nearly identical; instead of highlighting the C drive, the external hard drive/thumb drive/etc. will need to be selected instead.
Regularly defragmenting hard drive files will lead to optimized, faster PC performance, without the expense of special software or downloads. But a word of warning: always back-up data prior to defragmenting.
Sources:
Phone interview with computer engineer John Simons on May 28, 2010.
Microsoft Windows Website, "Improve performance by defragmenting your hard disk." Retrieved May 30, 2010.
Mia Carter - Mia Carter - Journalist, Producer/Editor & Web Writer. Carter's work has appeared on CBS and CNN.com.
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