Diskeeper 9 , by Executive Software, is the file defragmentation (commonly known as “defrag”) utility that is designed to demand fewer system resources during operation and operate in the background, faster which is important for today’s large hard drives.

Why Defrag?

Defrag occurs when Windows breaks up a file and fits it into spaces left open by deleted files or free space. The process results in slower file access because the system must find the fragmented files over a wider area of the hard drive before it can read them. File fragmentation can cause significant degradation in system performance and routinely occurs on partitions where files are more frequently added and deleted.

Diskeeper features Quick Defragmentation designed to defrag recently created files and includes an improved utility for consolidating free space on the your drive. Free space on a hard drive can also become fragmented. This leads to performance problems when creating and extending files.

The included a Set It and Forget It option for running the program at scheduled times. Diskeeper's background Smart Scheduling arranges defrag sessions as needed by tracking fragmentation, it doubles the time between sessions if fragmentation is light and halves the interval if it is heavy. Diskeeper will efficiently defrag in the background without any noticeable slow downs.

You have three choices: 1. The default is Maximum Disk Performance, which defrags files and consolidates free space. 2. A second choice is Quick Defragmentation, which reduces overall defragmentation time by emphasizing file defragmentation over free-space consolidation. Defragging provides greater system performance gain. 3. Improved Free Space performs a normal Diskeeper defragmentation, according to the company, but then does extra processing to further improve free-space consolidation.

For example. Imagine the only way you could fit your car in your cluttered garage was to take it apart, and each time you wanted to use it, you had to put it back together. This gives you an idea of what Windows has to do each time you open a file on a fragmented hard drive. Not only does fragmentation slow down file access, it promotes system instability.

Diskeeper defrags your system while you work or after work, like three a.m. Through a combination of partial defragging, priority control, and an intelligent scheduling algorithm, Diskeeper uses fewer resources than other defraggers and works in the background. And it simply defrags faster.

Diskeeper's background Smart Scheduling arranges defrag sessions as needed. By tracking fragmentation, Smart Scheduling doubles the time between sessions if fragmentation is light and halves the interval if it is heavy.

It actually will maximize and maintain system performance automatically with this automatic defragmenter.

Main features:

1. Keeps systems working at maximum speed automatically

2. Fast and easy scheduling

3. Rapid defragmentation of large volume disks

4. Centralized administration for full network control

5. Extended help details

The User’s Guide is helpful though a bit limited in scope. This program simply does more for you than the Windows utility - it has options the included utility lacks. A defrag utility is a must for your basic toolbox. Diskeeper 9 is easy to use and has a number of updated features. For more info and updates go to www.execsoft.com.

Harry Simmons is a HAL-PC member who is a lead graphic designer.