Computer System Overview — Question 31

A file is fragmented when it becomes too large for our computer to store in a single location on a disk. When this happens, our computer splits the file up and stores it in pieces. We can use fragmented files, but it takes our computer longer to access them.

Disk Defragmenter utility program speeds up disk access by rearranging the files and free space on our computer, so that files are stored in contiguous units and free space is consolidated in one contiguous block.