deframented

[Dan]

I understand the process of defragmenting, why it's a good idea to do it regularly. I've used Windows defrag, and I've used Norton's defrag. What I don't understand is the difference between the two processes...if I use windows version, and then Norton, it will appear that the drive still needs to be defragmented and visa versa. My question is, what is the big difference between what the two programs are doing??

[rambler]

Windows defrag generally consolidates files at the start of the HD to remove freespace"holes" but doen't put them in any particular order. In fact it's a much older version of Norton defrag from the middle '90s. Norton Speeddisk places files according to activity (date last used, update count, access count), and is CONFIGURABLE. For example, I tell it to move all my backup, MP3, and download folders to the end (inside) of the HD, so all the active files are in a smaller chunk at the start ot the disk. It gives the effect of having fewer files on the HD and improves access time.
Speeddisk also consolidates Temporary Internet Files so that improves web browsing to some extent.

[Rick Hall]

Windows defrag also sets up the files as to user activity (you can turn this option on or off prior to defragmenting.

[rambler]

Originally posted by Rick Hall Windows defrag also sets up the files as to user activity (you can turn this option on or off prior to defragmenting.

It can indeed, but it's rather a simple "bull at a gate" approach, and still leaves the files in one consolidated chunk, although shifting the more frequently used files tigether. I stopped using this option when I saw a program I'd run only once in over a year in the filelist.

[Dan]

thanks all, this is great. I never knew defrag was configurable, I'll have to try this out.
I have noticed that after a Norton defrag, things tend to run faster and smoother, compared to little change from the Windows defrag.