By As most Windows users know, one of the factors contributing to slow performance, errors and eventually data loss, is data fragmentation. Typically Windows operating system uses either FAT or NTFS file systems to organize data on the physical hard disks, usually attempting to write that data in a linear fashion.
Inevitably, after a compact block of data has been written, smaller parts of it will sooner or later discarded as useless files are deleted during normal operation, leaving gaps in the data block. When new files are added to the respective hard drive, the operating system will attempt to write them in that same linear fashion, seeking the first empty space it finds. Problem is, that first empty space begins with the above-mentioned gaps in the large data block. The system will fill the gaps with chunks of data and then proceed to the rest of the empty space on the hard drive. As a result, some of the new files will be scattered in fragments throughout those former gaps.
This fragmentation process takes place on every Windows computer, every day starting with the first power-up after system installation, in time causing a large number of files to be scattered in dozens, hundreds or even thousands of fragments on a hard drive platter.
The movements of the mechanical head that reads and writes data on the platters exponentially increases to access all of a file’s fragments, thus causing much longer time to access them. Linear data access is usually at least 1000 times faster than “random” data access on a larger surface.
However, many Linux users who don’t care about Windows, don’t even have the concept of this phenomenon. That is because Linux uses file systems that do Not split a file to fit its fragments in smaller gaps, instead – to put it simple – finds the most appropriate space for it (possibly even moving some nearby files if absolutely necessary).
Therefore, in the Microsoft world, if the file system doesn’t do it, then the operating system has to.
Another benefit of defragmentation comes from the fact that data is stored magnetically on a hard drive, thus prone to deterioration in time through normal magnetic “weakening” that can occur for data that doesn’t change its location for a long time. Normal defragmentation processes that include optimization usually move most of the data on a hard drive on a regular basis. This also makes the weak magnetic signals that represent data to be read and then rewritten at normal strength as they change their location. One may even call it “keeping the data fresh”.
Some “opinions” out there state that the latest computers are not influenced by data fragmentation anymore due to the newest 7200 RPM drives and SATA interface, faster CPU’s, motherboards, whole gigs of RAM and what not. Windows Vista and Seven even have the built-in Windows defrag scheduled to run at idle time.
But the truth still is, if you want to get the best out of your machine, you have to do it for yourself. And if performance isn’t one of your worries, prolonging the life of your data and the life of your physical components should be.
As for the “optimizations” mentioned earlier – some defrag programs are able to relocate data closer to the edge of the physical platter where the revolution speed is much higher, guided by how often the respective files are being used (usually system files first).
The following listing has no particular order, the best choice simply depending on how the software fits the user’s needs and preferences.
1. The Windows Disk Defragmenter
As history goes, the first releases of Windows NT did not come with an included defrag tool or any similar interface to move clusters. At that time, Executive Software (known today as the Diskeeper Corporation) released a defrag tool for Windows NT 3.51 which shipped with a custom version of the NT kernel and file system drivers providing this functionality. Starting with Windows NT 4.0, Microsoft incorporated this functionality into the kernel for both NTFS and FAT32, but with no command-line or graphical or console interface as of yet. The Disk Defragmenter appeared as a distinct Microsoft entity starting with Windows 95, 98 and Me. The rest of the history goes from there.
Bottom line- the Windows Disk Defragmenter is a very distant relative of Diskeeper, and its development remained similarly distant. Microsoft has put minimal development into it enough for basic defrag tasks included in the operating system.
Windows Disk Defragmenter
The XP interface is basic providing a data usage graph before and after defragmentation, there are no optimization options, as for data compacting – it may improve after several passes. The program itself can be scheduled via task scheduler to provide the minimum necessary defragmentation. The Windows Vista/Seven interface doesn’t even contain the data placement graph whatsoever, as compared to say – Windows 98 where you could see each data block.
Diskeeper Corporation (formerly known as Executive Software Corp.) has been around since 1981, developed its first defragmenter for the early VAX Computers and created the first ever online automatic defragmenter. The current version has matured into a powerful piece of software, both efficient and light in system resources.
The install / uninstall processes are clean and require no system restart.
Diskeeper doesn’t have a free version even for home use (the home version starting at $39.95), but if you do want to purchase it, it is a buck well spent. However, for those who would rather opt for a free piece of software, there are other candidates up to the task.
Diskeeper 2010
Main features include
-automatic defragmentation
-advanced optimization without interfering with normal tasks (low system resources)
-fragmentation prevention technology (proprietary)
-boot-time fragmentation option
-detailed statistics and reports on the tasks it carries out
-mounts itself as the Windows standard defragmenter
Lacks
-free version
Auslogics is a free defragmenter for home use, but up for purchase for business use. The program itself is a simple one, featuring:
Auslogics Disk Defrag
-scheduled defragmentation
-simple file optimization
-simultaneous defragmentation of multiple disks
Lacks:
-in-depth optimization
-boot-time defrag
-idle-time defrag
-resident process, making scheduled defragmentation available only when program is running
-some speed
4. Defraggler
Defraggler is developed by Piriform, the same group responsible for the well-known CCleaner for registry and files. Defraggler is a free software featuring:
Piriform Defraggler
-custom rules for files based on size, number of fragments, etc
-free space defragmentation
-file and folder exclusions
-scheduler
-portability
-free for home and corporate use
Lacks
-automatic optimization
-boot-time defrag
-idle-time defrag
5. MyDefrag (formerly JkDefrag) is also a free defrag program, fast and based on the Windows standard defragmentation API. The program started out as a simple front-end for the standard Windows defragmentation API, proving itself fast, safe and efficient.
MyDefrag
Features:
-flexible, programmable scripts including the minimum necessary pre-configured ones
-scheduling through the native task manager
-optimization based on access times and other criteria
-screen saver defrag
-ability to defragment the Master File Table while the system is running
-detailed operation statistics, logs and zoom-able file map
-optional creation of free spaces for the temporary file zones
-extensive documentation included in package
-portability
-free for personal and corporate use
Lacks:
-boot-time defrag
-automatic idle-time defrag (although mostly covered by the screensaver defrag)
6. O&O Defrag
O&O Defrag is another strong contender in the defrag software area, usually compared to Diskeeper concerning features, performance and professionalism. O&O is a German piece of programming, featuring:
O&O Defrag
-automatic defragmentation and optimization via standard monitoring process or one-touch button
-customizable scheduling and methods
-in-depth reports and detailed disk view
-boot-time defrag (offline)
-screensaver defrag
Lacks:
-free version ($49.90 for the single computer licence)
-fragmentation prevention (found in diskeeper only)
7. PageDefrag
Was developed by Sysinternals (currently belonging to Microsoft), as an addition to the standard Windows Defragmenter and was built for the sole purpose of providing boot-time defragmentation for the registry hives and page file. The program consists of a 70K download and a window providing 3 options – single defrag (next boot), defrag at every boot, and uninstall. This “set it and forget it” program can be set so that it checks the fragmentation levels of the above mentioned files with each restart and defragging them if necessary.
PageDefrag
PageDefrag is free and provided by Microsoft Technet.
Raxco PerfectDisk
Features:
-automatic background defrag and optimization via StealthPatrol (patented SMARTPcement)
-customizable scheduler
-boot-time defrag
-detailed logs, performance statistics and resource monitors
-duplicate file search
Lacks:
-free version (Home Premium starting at $29.99)
-I personally am not truly content with the standard file placement after optimization
9. Puran Defrag
Is a constantly self-inventing piece of software so to speak, provided as a free version for home use and paid version for corporate use (which, in essence are identical). This defragger brought major improvements with every version, currently being a lightning fast contender in the defragmenter niche. Not only it is very fast and efficient concerning system resources and the defrag process itself, but the results are indeed noticeable after optimization. It is simple and very customizable, providing point-and-shoot features. For a free defrag tool, I take this as my personal favorite.
Puran Defrag
Features:
-automatic defragmentation via customizable built-in scheduler (including idle-time defrag)
-very light on system resources
-Puran Intelligent Optimizer
-customizable boot-time defragmentation
-command line parameters
-optional restart/shutdown after boot time defragmentation
-configurable file/folder exclusion lists
-optional free space for temporary files
-configurable delete files list
-ability to defragment certain usb drives other defraggers fail to
Lacks:
-pretty much nothing essential
10. Ultimate Defrag
Is also a very fast performer released by DiskTrix. The latest version offers an advanced boot-time defrag and customized placement of MFT area, pagefile and several other system allocated files. The problem is I personally fail to see how that feature works – you make your adjustments, enable them for next reboot but nothing happens.
Ultimate defrag has been a very good defragmenter since version 1.72, which is still available as the “Free Public Domain Edition“. The main features are:
Ultimate Defrag
-scheduled runs using task scheduler
-standard or highly customized optimization for folders and files
-circular detailed disk view
-fast defragmentation
-free version available as “Free Public Domain Edition” 1.72 on cnet.com
Lacks:
-boot-time defragmentation has a big question mark
-no free versions from the latest variant
-no idle-time defrag process
-leaves folders, files and shortcuts after installation
11. UltraDefrag
Is an open-source defragmenter free for personal and commercial use also using the standard Windows defragmentation API. The boot-time defrag warns that “if something goes wrong” you can always use the last known good configuration from the windows startup (which is not very reassuring).
UltraDefrag
Features:
-free for home and corporate use
-fast defrag process
-boot-time defrag of system files
-documentation and scripting
Lacks:
-idle time defragmentation
-advanced features
There are, of course, many more data defragmenters out there, released as standalone products or included in optimization suites (such as Norton Speed Disk included in Norton Utilities and TuneUp Utilities also including a disk defragmenter). The standalone programs mentioned here are currently the best performers to choose from, as for the defragmenters bundled with larger suites, those are to be discussed in that respective topic.