Defragging desktop, notebook

[danstijl]

Does someone knows when you have to defragged your notebook or desktop, and most important what is defragging, do you need to, is it harmless etc, wanted to know for sure. And if so how can I do that? Thanks.

[Psaila]

This might expain things in more depth

It is best to defrag , as often as you feel you need to ... But Often

[kee-lo_]

Defragmenting is important as it keeps data neat on the hard disk, it's like cleaning out your filing cabinet.

[danstijl]

thanks guys

[TygerTyger]

Well not quite like cleaning out because it just rearranges. I've heard many a person get worried about the phrase 'Cleaning out' lol. It doesn't actually clean anything. If I'm not doing anything processor heavy I just have it defragment in the background. Or when I'm not at the computer. And thank God you don't have to stop everything while you do it! Thank you XP.

[kee-lo_]

I like to do it when I'm not at the PC.

Re-arranging is a better word really...

[Twisted-Rizla]

Just to make it clearer for you. If you add and remove programs your hard drive can become fragmented. This isn't a bad thing but programs can often launch and run faster if all the other programs on the hard drive are neatly in their place. Running defrag gets rid of all the little gaps and spaces in between the various programs that are on your drive. This then allows the programs to remain intact and in the same area of the disc which saves the PC a little time when it is off looking to find these programs. Following defrag your machine will be more efficient in the way that it runs because everything on the hard drive is then stored in a much more orderly fashion.
:smileygrin:

[Psaila]

Just to make it clearer for you.  If you add and remove programs your hard drive can become fragmented.  This isn't a bad thing but programs can often launch and run faster if all the other programs on the hard drive are neatly in their place.  Running defrag gets rid of all the little gaps and spaces in between the various programs that are on your drive. This then allows the programs to remain intact and in the same area of the disc which saves the PC a little time when it is off looking to find these programs.  Following defrag your machine will be more efficient in the way that it runs because  everything on the hard drive is then stored in a much more orderly fashion.
:smileygrin:

Well Put TR ,

[faithx]

I agree Raymond, that sounded well impressive TR

I like to do it when I'm not at the PC.

really I must admit, it can be quite mesmerising watching all those little squares moving around, reminds me of tetras, I think that's what it's called (yes I know, I need to get a life :smileyrolling_eyes:)

[Twisted-Rizla]

Thank you Psaila.
It's nice to be able to give something back to the forum for a change. I ask soooooo many questions but (because of my limited knowledge) don't answer so many. :smileygrin: