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What is defragmenting?

     I will keep this explanation as simple as possible. Everything that is stored on your computer is stored as a file. This includes everything from software programs, music files, photographs etc. When the computer adds files to the hard drive, it puts it on the hard disk wherever it feels like it. So photo #1 may not be put near photo #2 on the hard drive etc. Even if you haven't downloaded anything or added files to your computer, some programs (like Microsoft programs) update themselves automatically and files are added to the hard drive. Files that are similar or "go together" but are far apart from each other on your hard drive are "fragmented".
     When you defragment your computer, similar files are put closer together, therefore can be retrieved sooner when needed. This will speed your computer up just a bit and when done every couple weeks, it only takes a few minutes. I would recommend you do this AFTER you delete your cookies and temp files.

 ...and how do I do it?

     I will explain to do it with Windows XP as it is the most common operating system. Click on "Start", then "Control Panel". Then click on "Performance and Maintenance". (If you do not see "Performance and Maintenance", click "Switch To Category View" in the top left column). Then under "Pick A Task", choose "Rearrange items on your hard disk to make programs run faster". Then just click on the "Defragment" button near the bottom. The first time you defragment it may take a while. When it was finished, just click on the "close" button and you are done.