What is Defragmentation?

To understand the concept of defragmentation, let us first learn what is Fragmentation.


Fragmentation 

In simple language, when read-write processes takes place on disk, it is will cause breaking up of actual data into non-contiguous pieces.




Suppose we have a disk which can be pictorially represented as:

___________________________________

Now if we write a files A, B, C, D to this disk, space would be occupied as:

____aaaaaabbbbbbbbccccddddddd______ 

Say we now delete B and D from it. Now the space would look like:

____aaaaaa_________cccc_____________


Let us say now if we wish to store a file H (which is bigger) on this space. We will no other option than to write some data before aaaaaa, some parts after it and some parts after cccc. i.e.

hhhhaaaaaahhhhhhhhhcccchhhhhh_______

Now if system has to read H fully, it will have to jump 3 times.

This will make your system slow and there will be more wear and tear of disk.

Defragmentation

Defragmentation is a process which organizes non-contiguous data in such a way that it becomes contiguous. eg.

hhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhaaaaaacccc_______

Conclusion
Regular defragmentation of disk is very important. There is an in-built utility in Windows to defragment the disk (Start>Programs>Accessories>System Tools)

My favourite program for this purpose is Defraggler which is fast, efficient and above all FREE!

Enjoy your faster computer!