O&O Defrag 16 now also boosts performance under Windows 8

The new O&O Defrag 16 not only tangibly accelerates access to hard disks, but also extends the life cycle of hardware. In doing so it actively prevents system crashes. As well as the current Windows versions from XP onward, Windows 8 native is now also supported so that users can prepare their computers for the new Windows before official release.

Berlin, September 19th, 2012 – With O&O Defrag 16, O&O Software releases the new generation of its leading solution for defragmenting hard disks. The new version is already fully compatible with Windows 8 meaning users considering an upgrade can prepare their PCs for the move up to Windows 8. If a hard disk has been optimized using O&O Defrag, the time required to upgrade the operating system is reduced and the hard disk mechanics are protected due to more efficient read and write actions. After an upgrade to Windows 8, O&O Defrag 16 can be deployed immediately and offers numerous ways of bringing PCs using the new operating system up to 100% more performance.

In addition, the revamped engine in O&O Defrag brings better performance gains for older systems using Windows 7, Vista and XP.

New and enhanced functions

In order to make using O&O Defrag 16 also easy for first-time users, the entire user interface has been revamped and simplified. The revised and improved algorithms for defragmentation mean that O&O Defrag packs stored file fragments even faster together, and support for defragmentation of locked files under O&O Defrag 16 is better than ever before. The SSD Optimization by TRIM has also been enhanced and now supports even more manufacturers.

Shorter defragmentation times: With O&O Defrag 16, several drives can be defragmented simultaneously. In addition, the algorithms have been substantially accelerated, reducing the time required for a defragmentation by up to 40%.

Time View: For each drive a display shows the optimization success for each action executed. The current level of fragmentation is shown first, which for comparison purposes is followed by a display of the “before” level.

Remote control in the same network: All users in the same network are able to control O&O Defrag remotely. Drives of computers can be optimized and analyzed, when, for example, executing jobs. It’s also possible to generate and view reports for other computers from the network.

Evaluation and Analysis: Whenever the program is started, a manual analysis of all drives can be made and the level of fragmentation for each drive is displayed. It is also possible to display the most heavily fragmented files as well as the physical location of fragmented files on the hard disk. A dynamic block view appears during defragmentation and with the help of a before and after view, the user can get a total picture of the system’s optimization.

Live-Update: O&O Defrag 15 automatically checks if newer program versions are available and so can guarantee that defragmentation is always done using the latest technology.

History: Various statistical tools record how many file fragments were removed and how many files have been accelerated by this process. Users can see the benefits of periodic defragmentation, follow the evaluations over weeks and months, and adjust the settings for defragmentation to meet his or her changing requirements.

Automatic defragmentation: Automatic defragmentation is enabled by default after the installation of O&O Defrag and optimizes the disks in the background without slowing down the performance of the computer.

Manufacturer-independent optimization of Solid State Drives (SSDs): O&O Defrag 16 makes it possible to optimize SSD drives through TRIM commands regardless of their manufacturer even under Windows XP and Vista. Access times for SSDs are sped up, and early wear and tear effects are prevented.

Defragmentation methods STEALTH, SPACE and COMPLETE: STEALTH and SPACE are optimized for the fastest possible defragmentation, while the COMPLETE methods allow for a more complete defragmentation. This of course, requires more time and memory. The optimal utilization of existing storage space also prevents any new fragmentation. All methods can be applied to any drive, including Volume and Stripe Sets, and of course guarantee maximum reliability.

Zone filing on drives: A logical separation of data into performance-critical and non-critical files is conducted through an alternative setting which divides drives into so-called Zones. Files are sorted based on their use and access frequency and moved into appropriate zones. For example, system and program files that need to be accessed very quickly are separated from other data such as documents and downloads. Fragmentation is prevented intelligently through the separation of files written rarely or frequently. This logical arrangement not only shortens the duration of the system or program start, but also prevents fragmentation of program files from ever occurring.

Power management for Netbooks and Notebooks: As soon as mobile systems such as Notebooks or Netbooks are no longer connected to external power sources, the defragmentation is interrupted so that the full battery power is available for mobile workers.