
Over time, files stored on a hard drive can become "fragmented." This means different parts of a file become stored on different sections of the hard drive, requiring the drive head to constantly move back and forth across the drive, which slows down access times and increases wear. "Defragmentation" is the act of consolidating pieces of fragmented files in single locations. Performing this action regularly can significantly improve your computer's performance. Apple's Mac operating system, however, does not fragment files unless absolutely necessary, and the average system doesn't need much defragmentation. Defragging an Apple system, however, is still possible.