FreeDOS Defrag
FreeDOS Defrag, also called DEFRAG, is a free DOS utility that brings file fragments together to improve loading times from a disk.
What FreeDOS Defrag is
FreeDOS Defrag, also called DEFRAG, is a free DOS utility that brings file fragments together to improve loading times from a disk. Fragmentation is a normal process on DOS disks and can slow file access. The utility offers a menu-driven interface or a command-line mode selected with the /C option. Its /F mode places files at the beginning of a drive without gaps, while /U unfragments files but can leave gaps. With /S, users can sort files by name, extension, date and time, or size, and choose descending order.
Other options cover quick defragmentation, rebooting after optimization, and exiting when the task completes. The help recommends using DEFRAG occasionally or after installing larger programs or creating many small files. It works on a specified drive, and documented exit codes include disk-too-full, read, write, FAT-allocation, and memory errors. DEFRAG is distributed with FreeDOS, which is DOS-compatible. The FreeDOS 1.4 download page lists LiveCD, USB, LegacyCD, and floppy editions; its installation requirements include an Intel CPU, BIOS or UEFI Legacy mode, 640kB memory, and at least 20MB of hard disk.
Good
- Offers menu-driven and command-line modes.
- Full optimization places files without gaps.
- Sorts files by several criteria.
- Free and open source.
Watch out
- Operates on a specified drive.
- The listed environment is DOS-compatible.
- Documented errors include disk and memory failures.
Who it suits
DEFRAG suits users working with DOS disks who want to reorganize file fragments through a menu or command line. It is intended for occasional use or after installing larger programs or creating many small files.
Verdict
FreeDOS Defrag provides several ways to reorganize files on a DOS drive, including sorting and full optimization modes. Its DOS context and listed system requirements are important to consider before using it.
Plans and prices
From FreeDOS Defrag's own pricing page, checked 4 Oct 2001.
| Plan | Price | What it gives you |
|---|---|---|
| FreeDOS Defrag | Free | DOS drive defragmentation · operates on a specified drive |
The facts
Each one read from FreeDOS Defrag's own pages, with the date it was checked.
What it does
- Compatibility context
- The FreeDOS project describes its system as DOS-compatible and says programs that work on MS-DOS should also run on FreeDOS.checked 4 Oct 2001
- Distribution
- The FreeDOS 1.4 distribution is downloadable in LiveCD, USB, LegacyCD, and floppy editions.checked 4 Oct 2001
- Errors
- The documented exit codes include disk-too-full, read-error, write-error, FAT-allocation, and memory errors.checked 4 Oct 2001
- File ordering
- The /S option sorts files by name, extension, date and time, or size, with an optional descending order.checked 4 Oct 2001
- Interface
- It provides a menu-driven user interface and a command-line mode selected with the /C option.checked 4 Oct 2001
- Operating context
- The help describes fragmentation as a normal process on DOS disks that can slow file access.checked 4 Oct 2001
- Optimization modes
- The /F option fully optimizes a drive by placing files at the beginning of the disk without gaps, while /U unfragments files but may leave gaps.checked 4 Oct 2001
- Other options
- Options include quick defragmentation, rebooting after optimization, and exiting when optimization completes.checked 4 Oct 2001
- Purpose
- DEFRAG optimizes file loading times from a disk by moving file fragments together.checked 4 Oct 2001
- Recommended use
- The help recommends using DEFRAG occasionally or after installing larger programs or creating many small files.checked 4 Oct 2001
- Security and compliance
- The opened DEFRAG help and download pages do not state security certifications or compliance claims.checked 4 Oct 2001
- System requirements
- The FreeDOS download page lists an Intel CPU, BIOS or UEFI Legacy mode, 640kB memory, and at least 20MB of hard disk for installation.checked 4 Oct 2001
The company
- Founded
- 1994checked 28 Sep 2001
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