Gizmo's Freeware is Recruiting

Gizmos Needs YouWe are currently looking for people with skills and/or interest in the following areas:

- Anonymous Surfing Service
- Antivirus for Android

If this sounds like you then click here for more details

 

Best Free Disk De-fragmenter

Other Language?
  Read this article in Spanish
In a Hurry?
  Go straight to the Quick Selection Guide
Introduction

Fragmentation: why it happens

Suppose you are browsing the web, downloading your favorite songs and installing an application all at the same time, how does your system write all these files without any interruption to your activity? Well it's simple: it responds to all applications' write requests (I/O operations) by writing all files at a continuous location on your disk.

 

Representation of a disk track:

(Fig. 1)

Yellow: Temporary written internet files
Red: Installation (Game)
Blue: Song cache

 

The purpose of disk defragmenters is to reorganize such files which are supposed to be together. An ideal situation after defragmentation would look like this:

(Fig. 2)

 

But what happens when you uninstall, delete, or simply clean your temporary files? Imagine yourself uninstalling the application (game) you installed. The disk could look like this:

(Fig. 3)

 

The white zone is empty space without fragmentation. A disk looking like this will have just a little or even imperceptible impact on performance. In this case defragmentation is needed but not critical.

The last thing you want to see is a hybrid combination. Files very fragmented fig 1 and empty disk space fig3 but instead of contiguous clean sectors you'll find what we call fragmented empty space. And this is what it looks like:

(Fig. 4)

 

This is the worst case scenario. Overall system performance will be compromised and fragmentation is critical. You should defragment (defrag) or let your defragmenter schedule and execute the defrag process for you.

Standard mechanical HDDs (hard disk drives) will benefit from defragmentation and continuous disk use, because when spinning it keeps remagnetizing the HDD plates. But if you own an SSD (solid state drive) you SHOULD NOT defrag or install any defragmenter application because it will shorten the life of the drive.

So when testing defragmenter software we are going to evaluate it with some parameters:

  • Speed of analysis on fragmented files: Isn't it speed we want from our computer?
  • Speed of defrag
  • Some extras: such as scheduled defrag, shutdown PC when done, etc.
  • Defrag capabilities: why is this placed in last position? Because almost all of today’s defragmenters can perform this task with very similar results.

Well, it's time for action now and let me introduce you to the de-fragmenters.

Discussion

Piriform's Defraggler—The first thing that caught my attention when first opening Defraggler was a green word, GOOD. I quickly realized it was telling me about S.M.A.R.T. Status (information provided by the disk itself, reporting temperature etc). This is a great feature and has its own tab on the program for detailed view.

In terms of defragmentation ability, Defraggler is one of the best choices you could make. It performs a very fast “quick defragmentation” with decent file reorganization but if you perform a complete defrag process, which takes longer, you obtain results that are worthwhile. Your files will be together as they should be as solid as a concrete wall. Defraggler also supports scheduling, low priority and boot defrag. Highly recommended.

 

MyDefrag, JK defrag with a GUI (Graphical User Interface). Bad? No, just awesome!

Unbelievable power user options for everyone without having to configure any script. Just select the option that best suits your needs and it's done. MyDefrag employs an algorithm that places the most used files at the beginning of the disk. This decreases access times because the actuator arm of the hard drive has no need to move to the end of a disk to search a file.

If you don't know what a HDD looks like, please see below:

The trick revealed and a little science.
When you turn off your computer (or Windows shut downs your HDD), the actuator arm has a designated “landing zone” (a specific sector at the beginning of the disk) that remains stationary until the next startup. This is to avoid disk scratch and therefore, data loss (data is read via magnetism, touching surfaces is not required). When turned back on, the closest sector to the actuator arm is already near the “landing zone” (beginning of the disk) so it's faster to read files on that sector than others in outer zones of the disk.

Also, the surface distance travelled is considerably less in the inner sectors of the disk. So, placing files at the beginning of the disk is the best idea.

MyDefrag is not the only defragmenter capable of doing this, as many others includes an option. However, MyDefrag achieves this in a much simpler way. This is combined with a good “fast defrag”; the choice of specific options, many others by scripting, and excellent defragmentation methods and simple scheduler options.

 

This little boy, DiskTune, is not exactly a kid. Despite the use of Windows API to do defragmentation jobs, it's incredibly fast, simple and lightweight. Many useful options just a couple pixels of distance. Direct access to usual options such as Analyze, Defrag (quick), Optimize (rearrange) and Compact (defrag free space). The best thing about DiskTune? The ability to create a shortcut to your desktop and then double-clicking it to run a fully customized defrag. Four words—“one size fits all”.

 

Ultra Defrag is simple yet has a lot of customizable options through text files and scripts via two mouse-clicks. Not only is the defragmentation super fast, but also you are not going to notice it's working! You can keep doing your things while UltraDefrag does what was born to do… defrag. It performs so well you gonna want to carry it in your wallet. A lot of varied boot defrag commands. If your goal is to optimize your system startup at maximum, this is what you need.

 

MyDefragmenter Ultradefrag with a very simple, intuitive GUI plus a full scheduler which has the ability to program defrag while shutting down or starting up computer. Includes a 24/7 support by phone call and online help.

 

 

Also reviewed but not icluded:

-Auslogic Disk Defrag

-Puran Defragmenter

-O&O defrag free edition

-Others

 

Including on list may require meeting of certain parameters of quality as speed of process, automatization, customizability, GUI, information provided to users and others.

List regulary updated, not included products could be present in next review. 

Quick Selection Guide

MyDefrag
9
 
Gizmo's Freeware award as the best product in its class!

Runs as a stand-alone program on a user's computer
For average and power users
Not regularly updated
4.3.1
2.035 MB
32 and 64 bit versions available
Unrestricted freeware
There is no portable version of this product available.
Windows 2000, 2003, XP, Vista, 2008, Win7, and for X64.
DiskTune
9
 
Runs as a stand-alone program on a user's computer
Very Fast. Can create shortcut to double click customized defrag.
Windows API. Needs to improve system resources usage
1.1.31
1.06 MB
32 and 64 bit versions available
Unrestricted freeware
There is no portable version of this product available.
This version will install on PCs running: Windows XP / 2003 / Vista / Windows7 / XP64 / Vista64 / Windows7 64
Defraggler
8
 
Runs as a stand-alone program on a user's computer
Very solid piece of software. Updated regularly. Now with S.M.A.R.T. monitoring.
No optimization feature yet.
http://www.defraggler.com/
2.09
3.4 MB
32 bit but 64 bit compatible
Unrestricted freeware
A portable version of this product is available from the developer.
This version will install on PCs running: Windows XP / 2003 / Vista / Windows7 / XP64 / Vista64 / Windows7 64
UltraDefrag
8
 
Runs as a stand-alone program on a user's computer
System files defragmentation. Incredibly fast in all tasks. Power (scripting) features.
Some settings only accessible by configuration file (txt).
5.0.1
406 KB
32 and 64 bit versions available
Open source freeware
A portable version of this product is available from the developer.
This version will install on PCs running: Windows XP / 2003 / Vista / Windows7 / XP64 / Vista64 / Windows7 64
MyDefragmenter
8
 
Runs as a stand-alone program on a user's computer
Well recognized Ultradefrag engine Excellent scheduler
Not recently updates
http://www.mydefragmenter.com/
1.0
2.0 MB
32 bit but 64 bit compatible
Unrestricted freeware
There is no portable version of this product available.
Windows 7, Vista, Windows XP

Running on x64 computer requires download and replace DLL's available at Mydefragmenter website
http://www.mydefragmenter.com/help/

Editor
This software category is maintained by volunteer editor 4goTTen21. Registered members can contact the editor with any comments or suggestions they might have by clicking here.
Tags
defrag disk, defragment hard disk, disk defragmenter, free disk defrag software.

Back to the top of the article

 

/tbody

Share this
4.02206
Average: 4 (136 votes)
Your rating: None

Comments

by Jessup (not verified) on 20. January 2012 - 23:46  (87512)

What exactly is the "optimization" feature that is with some defragmenters and how vital is it?

by 4goTTen21 on 20. January 2012 - 23:51  (87513)

Here you can find a related comment may answer your question:
http://www.techsupportalert.com/best-free-disk-de-fragmenter.htm#comment...

by FrankWhite (not verified) on 20. January 2012 - 20:37  (87501)

Hi 4goTTen21

Just wondering... Why is Puran not in the list?
Is it still due their behaviour in the past on this website?

Greetings

by 4goTTen21 on 20. January 2012 - 22:58  (87509)

Hi FrankWhite! Puran is not in the list simply because it leaks a little of performance. I'll never base a review on whatever happened on the past with Puran, even I'm not sure what was the problem with it but, nothing personal with me you could be sure of that. Thank you!

by FrankWhite (not verified) on 21. January 2012 - 10:51  (87533)

Thanks for your quick response!
Can you explain a bit further why Puran leaks a little performance please? I'm using it and I haven't seen performance issues yet.

Greetings

by 4goTTen21 on 21. January 2012 - 16:17  (87544)

Of course. Most of today's computers has no problems running a defragmenter due to the use of multiple core processors or physically 2 or more. Also a newer single core processor can handle this operation, even a P4 with hyperthreading or AMD with hypertransport. But there's still a lot of old computers which reveals a stuck in performance when using programs like Puran defrag at full processing. Here in Gizmo's we offer the latest and best free software but never forget such old PCs. In the search for a wide service to everybody, our choices lies on balance; balance which leaves Puran out of defrag/performance standard.

by Bill Jarrell (not verified) on 23. January 2012 - 0:47  (87631)

With what you wrote in mind-those with older pcs such as myself with a 6 year old pc with an AMD Athlon 64 single processor and using Windows XP-What would be the best fit in defragmenters for my setup? THank You

by 4goTTen21 on 23. January 2012 - 3:02  (87634)

MyDefragmenter has shown to run smoothly on an Intel Celeron D315 (2.26 GHz) 512 MB of ram and a 80GB Hitachi Deskstar HDD.

by Brisker (not verified) on 20. January 2012 - 19:40  (87495)

Will Puran defrag ever be reviewed?

by 4goTTen21 on 20. January 2012 - 23:04  (87510)

Of course, this review is always open to all products. Also you should know as I say in the bottom of article: the program could not be on the list, but was reviewed and there's always the possibility to include it in future revisions of the review. Thank you.

by StickyW (not verified) on 20. January 2012 - 13:17  (87473)

Same question as Brolly, "What happenened to Auslogics Disk Defrag" which was number one choice???

by 4goTTen21 on 20. January 2012 - 13:28  (87474)

As you can see on previous answers, the category has me as new editor. After a thorough analysis and a selective criteria I made this list which contains the best products in the category, all this supported by an extensive researching.

by n01paranoid on 21. January 2012 - 17:38  (87549)

But you still haven't made it clear whether you actually reviewed Auslogics. Is it not on your list because you didn't think it was as good as some other products, or because you didn't review it

by 4goTTen21 on 21. January 2012 - 17:46  (87550)

This text is from the bottom of the review:

Also reviewed but not icluded:

-Auslogic Disk Defrag

-Puran Defragmenter

-O&O defrag free edition

-Others

I review it. Is on the list. Nothing personal.

by n01paranoid on 21. January 2012 - 18:09  (87552)

My fault, I didn't see that bit. It just seemed strange that a product that had been number one for so long, and by a wide margin, should suddenly go from hero to zero. For what it's worth, I don't think Auslogics does as thorough a job as some, but is lightning quick and places less strain on my hard drive (temperature rockets with mydefrag).

by 4goTTen21 on 21. January 2012 - 18:20  (87553)

It's just because the previous reviews were not made by me but a different person. About your HDD: generally it can handle an increment in temperature, but if you feel it's too much, you can go for a pair of HDD fans (this are cheap and provide a good service which could lead to extend disk life). Have a nice day.

by Carol Brooks (not verified) on 17. January 2012 - 23:00  (87329)

Apparently my comments on mydefrag made this morning have been removed from this page. Why? Are negatice comments disallowed. Or are comments only allowed by techies?

MyDefrag has come perilously close to jeopardizing ten years of work on a 1000+ page site. It woul dhave been nice if my post had been left on the site in the hope that someone would have some idea of what I am supposed to do now.

Carol Brooks

by 4goTTen21 on 17. January 2012 - 23:11  (87330)

Your last comments contained so many injuries and these are not allowed. Please next time moderated your speaking. You'll get no answer regarding problems any software could cause to your configuration. Remember products exposed here are fully tested and reviewed not only by me also many people use it and no problems were reported. Maybe your best option is open a thread in forums explaining your problem. Thank you.

by rich (not verified) on 2. January 2012 - 4:47  (86380)

"almost all of today’s defragmenters can perform this task with very similar results"

Thank you for mentioning that, since it lets me feel comfortable choosing based on other features in your "best" list.

My prior experience is very limited. A few months ago, I did a defrag on a highly fragmented drive, using the tool built into Win XP Home, and that tool was unable to accomplish any significant defrag. After that, I used Defraggler and got excellent results.

by 4goTTen21 on 2. January 2012 - 21:28  (86432)

:) Thanks for your comments

by rich (not verified) on 2. January 2012 - 4:40  (86379)

DiskTune: "Many useful options just a couple pixels of distance."

Why are you saying they are "just a couple pixels of distance"? Is that good? Is that bad? It doesn't sound like a benefit to me, but I can't tell your intent.

by 4goTTen21 on 2. January 2012 - 21:27  (86431)

It's good :) means more options in on site.

by Anupam on 31. December 2011 - 20:24  (86288)

UltraDefrag 5 released.

by 4goTTen21 on 31. December 2011 - 21:01  (86290)

Thx Anupam I-m up/to/date but getting into holidays :D I,ll review it later.

by Brolly (not verified) on 31. December 2011 - 6:09  (86268)

What happened to auslogics disk defrag? Last I checked it was the #1 recommended.

by 4goTTen21 on 31. December 2011 - 21:03  (86291)

New editor. new reviews . Try the new products and write down your opinion!

by snickers and mars (not verified) on 14. December 2011 - 23:50  (85031)

i want a software that doesnt optimize and doesnt comperes like smart defrag

only it do is defrag

by 4goTTen21 on 15. December 2011 - 0:19  (85032)

Manually guided or automated?

You can download and try My defrag it comes with a wizard, just select defrag, next and you're done .

by snickers and mars (not verified) on 15. December 2011 - 0:46  (85034)

does it not have compress feature like smart defrag

in smart defrag you cant turn it off

by snickers and mars (not verified) on 15. December 2011 - 0:48  (85035)

i read this about it

MyDefrag employs an algorithm that places the most used files at the beginning of the disk

i dont want this

Post new comment

The content of this field is kept private and will not be shown publicly.