What is a Defrag Engine?

As you create, delete and modify files on a hard disk, the data becomes fragmented across the disk's physical space. This makes accessing files take longer than normal but you can organize them by using a defragmentation ( defrag ) engine program.

Data Read/Write Problems

• A hard disk uses moving heads to read and write stored data. But if you use the disk regularly, the data eventually become fragmented across the hard disk, and operations of the read/write heads will take longer to execute.

Defragmentation Utility

• A defrag engine is a utility program that tells the read/write heads of the hard disk to reorganize the data. After you activate the defragmentation process, the hard disk rewrites the storage so the files are physically closer, allowing for easier access and better performance.

Caution

• Because defragmentation uses the hard disk so intensively, it can contribute to mechanical wear and tear upon the read/write heads. However, having to operate with a fragmented hard drive can also wear down the hard disk's machinery. Many computer users defragment their drive once or twice a month as a safe balance between the two extremes.