Defrag - The easiest and cheapest way to speed up your computer

I am going to start my tech tips with a very basic, but really important computer mantainence tip.

Name: The Defrag
Category: Speed up your computer
Operating System: All (screenshots and instructions from XP)
Difficulty: My grandma could do it with her eyes closed


What is it?
I remember it clearly I had my old 286 computer running so slowly it took over 10 minutes just to start Windows 3.11. I tried everything to fix it and ended up pulling my hair out, but what I didn't realise was that the problem was very very simple...

Files stored on a computer become fragmented (which basically means files are all over the place - a lot like the stuff in my house) and a defrag program sorts the files (and free space) out and puts them back where they belong. This is important because the more fragmented the files are on your computer the longer it will take to find and access them, thus slowing your computer down! Most people are pleasantly surprised at the difference regular defragmenting can make.

Alright so how do I do it...?
The best part about this tip is that it is easy. Microsoft has even built in a defragment tool right into Windows to make your life easier. You can access this by going to:

Start menu -> all programs -> Accessories -> System Tools -> Disk Defragmenter (see below)

(Click to enlarge)


Then simply click on the drive you want to defragment (usually drive C:) and click defragment (see below)!

(click to enlarge)


That is it, I told you my grandma could do it!

However, you might want to try an alternative disk defragment program that many people say are better and more comprehensive than the Microsoft offering. Best of all some of these alternatives are free - to check out some of the options visit the following sites:
Free Downloads Centre

Is that the end...?
Most people either forget or don't bother to defrag often, but it is an important computer maintanence tip. If you use your computer every day I suggest doing it at least once a month.


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