October 2009 - Disentangling Da Disk
Hard disks, machines incredibly intricate and delicate with tiny, swift-moving parts, are integral to almost all com- puting systems operating today. They are permanent storage devices, retaining data even on computer shutdowns. The hard disk, called Hard Drive (C:), consists of spinning platters reading and writing using head and arm mechanisms, your applications, files and data. Each disk is encased in your central processing unit to prevent damage. If you keep your computer in a dust- and trauma-free environment, and save and back up your work regularly, your hard disk will work better and longer, without the need for repair or replacement.
Hard disks are almost error free, but they do need regular care to operate smoothly. Millions of pieces of electronic information move in and out of your disk every second. Disk fragmentation happens when files often are broken up and stored in nooks and crannies. It is similar to a newspaper using a different page for each article paragraph; you must leaf tediously through page after page to read it. When you download, open, work on, or edit files, the disk program must search for all the parts and combine them. Over time, your computer may slow down or crash due to disk fragmentation.
❍ Defraging Da Disk
Windows XP and Vista operating systems provide a program for disk defragmentation. While Windows XP provides multiple access to it, I like this way: Close all open programs and files. Double Click My Computer in the Start Menu (or Double Click the My Computer desktop icon). Right Click the Hard Drive (C:) icon on the Desktop and choose Properties. In the dialog box, Click the Tools tab and the Defragment Now button. Click Analyze to see if defragmentation is needed. If so, Click Defragment. It may take several hours, so plan to do something else while this is working.
Monthly checks are recommended even for minimal users. If you are into digital photography, frequently add and remove programs, store and delete large temporary Internet files, or work on massive files, the intervals might be once a week or even daily. Check it a few times; you will get a feel for this very important remedial task.
❍ Diagnosing Da Disk
Hard drive errors do occur rarely, and if your hard drive is acting strangely and defragmentation doesn’t satisfy, follow the procedure for Defragmentation, outlined above, up to Clicking the Tools tab in the dialog box. Click the Check Now button and, leaving the two options blank, Click the Start button. If adjustments are needed, the instructions will tell you what to do.
Al Abbotts
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