The Big XP Defragmenter Test
Since there are file systems, with which files can be managed, there is also the so-called fragmentation. Especially Microsoft's file systems (FAT, NTFS) have a reputation to fragment files, compared to other file systems, very strong.
With increasing complexity of applications, the number of files that need to be read at the start of these programs grows. Excessive fragmentation is known increase load times. But besides defragmenting there are also the optimization, that is, the files are arranged on the disk in a way that the loading time is shortened. These includes moving the files to the fast part of the hard drive and the logical grouping of related files (eg. all files needed for booting) to minimize the disk head movement (seek) on the disk.
In fact, "defragmenters" are therefore "optimizers". Only very few defragmenter are limited solely on the pure defragmentation of files. However, as these programs are exclusively known as "defragmenters" (and the word "defrag" is also usually included in the product name), I will keep using this term, too.
Because of this problem Microsoft includes a defragmenter in their operating systems. However, these do not seem to make a good job: Third-party defragmenters are springing up like mushrooms - both commercial and free versions - and all with the promise to bring the hard disk into shape with one mouse click (and of course always by far better than the competition).
But which defragmenter is the "best"?
Opinions differ on that. Some swear on the product X, while others only allow the product Y to work on their computers. How much the different defragmenters can actually increase the performance of the system will be seen in the benchmarks.
Suggestions and critique of the test setup, it's implementation, etc. are welcome and encouraged and can posted on the forum.