If you delete some data, the drive will go back and fill those blocks when you write new data-sometimes leading to files getting split apart and stored on two (or more) different sections of the platter. Traditional hard drives (sometimes known as HDDs) use spinning platters to store data in sequential 'blocks' across each platter. Here's how it works, and what you need to know. Defragmenting (or 'defragging') is one of the most commonly recommended tasks in this area, alongside uninstalling programs, checking your PC's memory, and running a virus scan. If your computer's feeling slow, it might be time to do a little maintenance.
