Disk Management Tools

Disk Management Tools

Disk management tools are utility software that is used to manage data on disk by performing various functions on it. Moreover, they perform functions like partitioning devices, manage drives, disk checking, disk formatting, etc. Furthermore, there are various types of disk management tools like disk checkers, disk cleaners, and disk analyzers.

We also call these tools as disk utility. Utility Software or system utilities is a type of system software that helps in the proper and smooth functioning of a computer system. Moreover, they assist the operating system to manage, organize, maintain, and optimize the functioning of a computer system. Examples of disk management tools are MiniTool Partition Wizard, Paragon Partition Manager, etc.

Basic Functions of Disk Management Tools

The disk utility basically takes care of the computer disk system. It performs all the tasks which are necessary to keep the functioning of the disk smooth. Some basic functions that these tools perform are as follows:

• Partitioning of the disk
• Formatting the disk
• Changing disk’s name
• Shrinking a disk partition
• Extending a disk partition
• Deleting a disk partition
• Changing the file system of a driver

Types of Disk Management Tools

1. Disk Cleanup Tools

These tools clean up the unnecessary and unwanted files on the system. Furthermore, this deletion of files thus helps to clean up the disk space. Moreover, it prevents unnecessary clutter and protects privacy.

Temporary files, web caches, old backups, etc. are the files that make up the unwanted clutter on the disk. Privacy risk happens due to files that have information about files opened by each computer program. For example log files, HTTP cookies, etc. Examples of disk cleanup tools are Razer Cortex, Piriform CCleaner, etc.

2. Disk Compression Tools

The disk compression tools or disk compression utility increases the amount of space on a disk by decreasing the size of information. The utility compresses the information while storing it on this disk. On the other hand, the information decompresses when we have to read it. Examples of disk compression utility are as follows:

• Microsft Windows: DriveSpace
• Macintosh: DiskDoubler

3. Disk Checkers

These tools scan the hard disk and remove any such areas which are corrupted or not saved properly. Furthermore, they perform this process so that the hard disk can operate more efficiently. Some tools perform the full surface scan while some others check only logical structures of the files.

Examples are CHKDSK, fsck, etc.

4. Disk Formatters

They prepare a data storage device for the initial use. For example devices like hard disk, floppy disk, USB flash drive, etc. Moreover, they can also permanently erase a drive.

The formatting has three levels:

• Low-level formatting
• Partitioning
• High-level formatting

5. Disk Partitioning Tools

These tools divide the disk into more than one region. Furthermore, it does this so that each region can be managed separately and hence, more efficiently. These regions are the partitions. A partition table is also maintained which contains information about the location and size of each partition. Examples are GParted, diskpart, GNU Parted, etc.

6. Disk Space Analyzers

These tools indicate the space usage on the disk. Furthermore, they perform this task by analyzing the size of each file and folders and also, the subfolders. Usually, this information is indicated through graphical charts according to the folders’ size or other criteria. We can also call them as disk usage analysis software. Examples are DiskReport, KDE Filelight, GNOME Disk Usage Analyzer, etc.

7. Disk Defragmenter

This utility software helps to reduce the fragmentation and hence, reduces the access speed. Defragmenting refers to rearranging files and storing them in contiguous memory locations. This means that when the contents of some files are scattered here and there it rearranges them and stores them in a contiguous memory area. These scattered parts are fragments. Moreover, saves time in reading from files and writing files to disk. Examples of disk defragmenters are Perfect disk, Deflaggler, etc.

8. Backup Software

This keeps a copy of all the information on a disk. Whenever some disk failure occurs or files are deleted accidentally, it restores the files. Restoring the whole disk is called disk cloning.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1. What are disk management tools?

A1. Disk management tools are utility software that is used to manage data on disk by performing various functions on it. Moreover, they perform functions like partitioning devices, manage drives, disk checking, disk formatting, etc. Furthermore, there are various types of disk management tools like disk checkers, disk cleaners, and disk analyzers. We also call these tools as disk utility.

Q2. What is the other name for disk management tools?

A2. The other name is disk utility.

Q3. What are the types of disk utility software?

A3. Some of the software are Disk Cleanup Tools, Disk Compression Tools, Disk Checkers, Disk Formatters, Disk partitioning tools, disk space analyzers, disk defragmenter, Backup software.

Q4. What is fragmentation?

A4. Sometimes, the contents of some files are scattered here and there. This condition is fragmentation. The different parts of files are the fragments.

Q5. Name the three levels of formatting.

A5. Three levels are as follows:

• Low-level formatting
• Partitioning
• High-level formatting