Various disk maintenance tools are the focus of topics in this guide, which may include software utilities for disk management, such as disk checking, cleaning, defragmentation and optimization, formatting, and partitioning.
A disk utility is a software program designed to perform a variety of functions on a hard drive or removable media, such as disk partitioning and logical volume management, as well as other tasks like changing a drive letter or mount point, disk checking, disk formatting, optimization, of other jobs. Multiple tools may be included in one software program, or a program might be focused on one or more of them.
Each operating system comes with a set of basic utilities, and there are also separate software programs that can recognize and make adjustments to OS filesystems.
Disk checkers are used to scan hard drives for files or areas of the disk that are corrupted in some manner, and fixing the problem if it is software-fixable. Some disk checkers can scan disks for bad sectors, isolating them, while others are capable only of scanning the logical structure of files on the disk. Most operating system packages will include at least one disk checking utility, but third-party programs are also available for most platforms.
A disk cleaner is a software tool that is designed to locate and delete potentially unnecessary or unwanted files on a hard drive or removable storage media, usually to free up disk space, eliminate clutter, or protect user privacy. Potentially, a significant amount of a hard drive space can be taken up with temporary files, trash, backup data, and web caches, many of which can be safely deleted to free up space on the drive, while web cookies, local shared objects, and log files may pose security concerns.
Similar programs might flag programs that haven't been used for a specified period, duplicate image files, or downloaded files that may no longer be necessary.
Defragmentation or optimization tools are used to enhance speed and efficiency of a computer by rearranging the files stored on the drive to occupy contiguous storage locations. This minimizes head travel, which permits the hard drive to more quickly write and read files to and from the disk, decreasing system startup times, as well as the speed of programs being run on the computer.
Formatting is a reference to the process by which a disk is prepared for initial use, whether it be a hard drive, a solid-state drive, USB flash drive, or other removable storage media. Formatting may also be used to create one or more new file systems.
Partitioning is the term used for the second part of the formatting process, which is the part that makes the data storage device visible to an operating system, while high-level formatting is the process of generating a new file system. Some operating systems combine these processes into one.
As a rule, operating systems will include a utility for formatting and partitioning a drive, although third-party programs may also be available.
Other disk utility tools might be used to visualize the disk space in use by programs and other data, reporting the size of each folder and the files within each folder, usually displaying this information through a graphical chart, and by other means. As the amount of available space on a hard drive decreases, space analyzers may be used to help make decisions as to which programs or files to remove to free space.
Categories
@Disk Editors@Hex Editors | DefragmentersRegistry Cleaners |
Recommended Resources
The free software program is designed to accelerate, clean, and fix Windows systems, serving as a disk cleaner, as well as providing system maintenance, performance enhancement, and customization utilities. Available for Windows 7, 8, and 10 platforms, the system requirements are specified and a download link is included, along with a full list of its features and other details. Users of the free version may also upgrade to a commercial version, or purchase it directly from the site.
https://www.ashampoo.com/en/usd/pin/5806/system-software/winoptimizer-free
GAG is a graphical boot manager that is loaded with the computer is turned on, allowing the user to choose the operating system he wants to use. It allows a boot of up to nine different operating systems, including those installed in primary and extended partitions on any available hard disk, and can be installed from nearly all operating systems. Its features and functions are described in detail, along with screenshots, a history of versions, and a file download page.
http://gag.sourceforge.net/
Specializing in disk space management, JAM Software also offers software solutions for the office and communication, mail servers and security, monitoring and diagnosis, and components for developers. Its full software portfolio may be tested, free of charge, for thirty days. Each of its products is described in detail. Its file and disk space management product includes a database-based storage manager, a disk space manager, file search, and command-line utility.
https://www.jam-software.com/
Available from iObit, MacBooster is a maintenance tool for macOS that can be used to clean up twenty types of junk files, remove Mac malware and viruses, and optimize the Mac hard drive to boost computer performance. Its features are highlighted in detail, and media reviews, user testimonials, and a trial version are available. The software is available through a SaaS pricing model, with three subscription levels, a Standard level for one Mac, and both a Lite and a Premium level for three Macs.
https://www.macbooster.net/
Also available as part of Paragon’s Hard Disk Manager Advanced Pack, the Partition Manager program offers a range of functions for flexible partitioning, optimization, and computer management, suitable for restructuring a hard drive, dividing it up into partitions, redistributing free memory storage space, or using several operating systems on the same PC. A full list of its features is listed, along with user scenarios, a user support forum, knowledgebase, and other support options.
https://www.paragon-software.com/home/pm-professional/
Supporting Windows 7 through 10, the Disk Space Analyzer shows folder and sub-folder sizes and other statistics, including high-capacity lists for huge drives, such as Windows Server administrators and advanced users. A full list of features is presented and illustrated in screenshots. A trial edition is available for download, and it is available as a single-user license as well as a 5-computer license pack server edition. Client testimonials and a FAQ are included.
https://showsize.com/
Established in 1982, the company has provided a wide range of computer services, including the sale of hardware and software, consulting services, repair services, network installation, and custom programming for the IBM PC and IBM midrange platforms, although its primary purpose is its software solutions, particularly its Drive Image Backup and Restore Suite, and other tools for partition management, boot management, and imaging. Purchases may be made online.
https://www.terabyteunlimited.com/
