Author Topic: Defrag or not??? (Read 4040 times)

dolphin · « **on:** March 09, 2012, 09:22:55 AM »

Do Macs need to be defragged???

(Link removed by kimmer as the site is no longer functioning -- and it was an ad.

)

jchuzi · « **Reply #1 on:** March 09, 2012, 09:44:35 AM »

I voted NO, but there is a caveat. In the past, I ran a full-disk defragmentation with TechTool Pro and didn't notice any difference in performance. Recently, my computer seemed to be running slowly and I used Disk Warrior to optimize (basically defrag) the directory. DW found no directory errors; it just optimized. The computer seems to be running faster now.

Xairbusdriver · « **Reply #2 on:** March 09, 2012, 11:09:18 AM »

Yes, at least once a year. Or, if you think your drive is accessing things more slowly, do it every six months.

In either case, always make sure you have a complete and bootable back, first!!!

Not to mention plenty of time.

The latest versions of X already do a great job of keeping the fragmentation to a minimum. There are a couple of Support pages at Apple, but they are not even updated anymore. Most other sites on the interwebs are at least two years old.

beacher · « **Reply #3 on:** March 09, 2012, 12:14:17 PM »

I voted "yes", but I'm running an old G5 Quad, 10.5.8, that fulfills all my needs. A few weeks ago, I noticed that the Mac was taking a significant time to start up, and after running a defrag program, it's starting up like it did when it was new. Perception? Nope, knocked the start up time in about half, although I'm not sure about it actually running any faster. I used a program called "iDefrag". . .

kimmer · « **Reply #4 on:** March 09, 2012, 12:29:32 PM »

Sorry, that article reads like what I suspect it is: an ad.

I voted no.

Texas Mac Man · « **Reply #5 on:** March 09, 2012, 05:37:58 PM »

Here's what Apple says.

About disk optimization with Mac OS X
http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=25668

Johanbgoot · « **Reply #6 on:** March 11, 2012, 03:27:17 PM »

I am curious; I clicked on Dolphin's link and it took me to Stellardrive defrag. Now I run Onyx once every 6 weeks or so and I restart my imac (OS 10.6.

at least once a week and the 3+ year old imac continues to purr along without incident since I first purchased it. It has never had a kernel panic, so my question is, do I really need to download Stellardrive defrag and run it or does the axiom "If it ain't broke don't fix it." apply?

Thanks,

Johan

jchuzi · « **Reply #7 on:** March 11, 2012, 03:49:28 PM »

As stated previously, that link is obviously an ad. I know nothing about Stellardrive but I do know that defragmentation can be hazardous. You must be sure that the directory is in good shape before attempting it and you should never do it unless you have a complete backup. The process can take several hours. Although I have not had a problem defragging with TechTool Pro, it isn't something that I would want to do regularly.

If I were you, considering that everything is working fine, I wouldn't do it. (My 2¢.)

Johanbgoot · « **Reply #8 on:** March 11, 2012, 03:59:19 PM »

QUOTE(jchuzi @ Mar 11 2012, 04:49 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

As stated previously, that link is obviously an ad. I know nothing about Stellardrive but I do know that defragmentation can be hazardous. You must be sure that the directory is in good shape before attempting it and you should never do it unless you have a complete backup. The process can take several hours. Although I have not had a problem defragging with TechTool Pro, it isn't something that I would want to do regularly.

If I were you, considering that everything is working fine, I wouldn't do it. (My 2¢.)

Well having scottish roots, 2 cents worth is better than none, thanks. I tend to agree with you. Johan

Jack W · « **Reply #9 on:** March 11, 2012, 07:04:07 PM »

I'm with Johan & Jon.

I haven't defragged a disk in many years.

FWIW, Jack

kimmer · « **Reply #10 on:** March 11, 2012, 07:12:11 PM »

I've removed the link from the post. Reasons stated in post, but in case ...

The site is no longer functioning, and the link was an ad. We can put the link back in if the site comes back up and folks want the info.

Xairbusdriver · « **Reply #11 on:** March 11, 2012, 08:47:50 PM »

People who make products will always tell you that you need them. What they sometimes mean is that they need your money more than their product.

dolphin · « **Reply #12 on:** March 15, 2012, 09:26:40 AM »

I voted NO based on the remarks from everyone who voted.

for all your votes and comments.

Xairbusdriver · « **Reply #13 on:** March 15, 2012, 11:24:30 AM »

I don't think it's fair to vote in your own poll, unless you note that in the rules!

Paddy · « **Reply #14 on:** March 15, 2012, 12:33:00 PM »

Although a bit late to this party (sorry...but I'm on vacation in the Bahamas right now! It's raining at the moment, which is the only reason I'm here) I think the most relevant bit is this, from the Apple KB:

QUOTE

Mac OS X systems use hundreds of thousands of small files, many of which are rarely accessed. Optimizing them can be a major effort for very little practical gain. There is also a chance that one of the files placed in the "hot band" for rapid reads during system startup might be moved during defragmentation, which would decrease performance.

I've never defragged a Mac hard drive since I started using OS X eleven years ago. I've very, very occasionally had to use DiskWarrior to repair directory errors - but at least half the time, that has been a fruitless exercise as the drive in question was actually dying a slow death.

News:

Author Topic: Defrag or not??? (Read 4040 times)