What command should you use to rearrange parts of files on the drive so they are contiguous?

Glossary Chapter 4 Android OS An open source operating system used primarily for handheld devices. Backup A duplicate copy of a file, disk, or tape. Also refers to a Windows utility that allows you to create and restore backups. Backup software A set of utility programs that performs a variety of backup-related tasks, such as helping users select files for backup, copying, and restoring files. Bare-metal restore A process by which a backup is restored to a hard disk without first reinstalling the operating system and device drivers. BlackBerry OS The operating system software designed for handheld BlackBerry devices. Boot disk A floppy disk or CD that contains the files needed for the boot process. Boot process The sequence of events that occurs within a computer system between the time the user starts the computer and the time it is ready to process commands. Bootstrap program A program stored in ROM that loads and initializes the operating system on a computer. Button An on-screen graphical control that can be clicked to initiate an action or command. Cluster A group of sectors on a storage medium that, when accessed as a group, speeds up data access. Command-line interface A style of user interface that requires users to type commands, rather than use a mouse to manipulate on-screen controls. Data fork An element of the Macintosh file system that comprises the part of the file that contains the text, audio, or video data; contrast with resource fork. Defragmentation utility A software tool used to rearrange the files on a disk so that they are stored in contiguous clusters. Desktop A term used to refer to the main screen of a graphical user interface that can hold objects such as folders and widgets. Desktop operating system An operating system specifically designed for use on personal computers, such as Windows 7 or Mac OS X. Dialog box An element of graphical user interfaces that appears in a window and requests information, such as command parameters, from a user. Differential backup A copy of all the files that changed since the last full backup of a disk. Directory In the context of computer file management, a list of files contained on a computer storage device. Disc mastering The process of creating a CD or DVD by selecting all the files to be copied and then writing them in a single session. Contrast with packet writing. Disk image A bit-by-bit copy of the contents of a disk created for backup, archiving, or duplication of data. Disk partition An area of a hard disk created by dividing a large hard disk into several smaller virtual ones, such as when using two operating systems on a single computer. DOS (Disk Operating System) The operating system software shipped with the first IBM PCs, then used on millions of computers until the introduction of Microsoft Windows. Dual boot A computer that contains more than one operating system and can boot into either one. File date The date that a file was created or last modified. File extension A set of letters and/or numbers added to the end of a file name that helps to identify the file contents or file type. File format The method of organization used to encode and store data in a computer. Text formats include DOCX and TXT. Graphics formats include BMP, TIFF, GIF, and PNG. File header Hidden information inserted at the beginning of a file to identify its properties, such as the software that can open it. File management utility Software, such as Windows Explorer, that helps users locate, rename, move, copy, and delete files. File shredder software Software designed to overwrite sectors of a disk with a random series of 1s and 0s to ensure deletion of data. File size The physical size of a file on a storage medium, usually measured in kilobytes (KB). File specification A combination of the drive letter, subdirectory, file name, and extension that identifies a file (such as A:\word\filename.doc). Also called a "path." File synchronization The process of keeping two sets of files updated so they are the same; used to synchronize files between a computer and PDA or backup device. File system A method that is used by an operating system to keep files organized. File tag In the context of Windows, a piece of information that describes a file. Tags, such as Owner, Rating, and Date Taken, can be added by users. File-naming conventions A set of rules, established by the operating system, that must be followed to create a valid file name. Folder The subdirectories, or subdivisions of a directory, that can contain files or other folders. Formatting The process of dividing a disk into sectors so that it can be used to store information. Fragmented files Files stored in scattered, noncontiguous clusters on a disk. Full backup A copy of all the files for a specified backup job. Full system backup A backup that contains all of the files on the hard disk, including the operating system. Google Chrome OS An operating system based on the Linux kernel; designed for netbooks dedicated to using the Web and Web-based applications. Graphical user interface (GUI) A type of user interface that features on-screen objects, such as menus and icons, manipulated by a mouse. Icon A graphical object, such as those that represent programs or folders on a computer desktop. Incremental backup A backup that contains files that changed since the last backup. iOS The operating system used for iPhones. Kernel The core module of an operating system that typically manages memory, processes, tasks, and storage devices. Library In the context of Windows 7, a superfolder that contains pointers to various folders and files; Examples include Documents, Pictures, and Videos. Linux An operating system that is a derivative of UNIX, available as freeware, and widely used for servers though it is also used on personal computers and workstations. Linux distribution Usually a download that includes the Linux operating system, a Linux desktop, and other Linux utilities. Logical storage models Any visual or conceptual aid that helps a computer user visualize a file storage system. Also called a storage metaphor. Mac OS The operating system software designed for use on Apple Macintosh computers. Master File Table An index file used in NTFS storage systems to maintain a list of clusters and keep track of their contents. Memory leak An undesirable state in which an operating system does not correctly allocate memory for programs causing parts of one program to overwrite parts of others and malfunction. Menu In the context of user interfaces, a list of commands or options often displayed as a list. Menu bar A standard component of most graphical user interfaces that is displayed as a strip of clickable options, that in turn display a list of commands. Microsoft Windows An operating system, developed by Microsoft Corporation, that provides a graphical interface. Versions include Windows 3.1, 95, 98, Me, NT, 2000, XP, Vista, and Windows 7. Multiprocessing The ability of a computer or operating system to support dual core processors or multiple processors. Multitasking The ability of a computer, processor, or operating system to run more than one program, job, or task at the same time. Multithreading A technology that allows multiple parts or threads from a program to run simultaneously. Multiuser operating system An operating system that allows a single computer to deal with simultaneous processing requests from multiple users. Native file format A file format that is unique to a program or group of programs and has a unique file extension. NTFS (New Technology File System) A file system used by Microsoft Windows NT, 2000, Vista, and Windows 7 operating systems to keep track of the name and location of files on a hard disk. Packet writing The process of recording data to a CD or DVD in multiple sessions. Contrast with disc mastering. Palm webOS A popular type of operating system for handheld computers and smartphones. Path A file's location specified by the drive on which it is stored and the hierarchy of folders in which it is stored. (See file specification.) Physical storage model A representation of data as it is physically stored. Recovery disk A CD that contains all the operating system files and application software files necessary to restore a computer to its original state. Reserved words Special words used as commands in some operating systems that may not be used in file names. Resource A component, either hardware or software, that is available for use by a computer's processor. Resource fork A storage characteristic of Mac OS that creates a file containing a description of the data stored in an accompanying raw data file. Restore point Data stored about the state of files and the operating system at a given point in time, then used to roll back the computer system to that state. Ribbon An element of the user interface popularized by Microsoft Office 2007 that presents users with multiple tabs instead of menus at the top of the application window. Root directory The main directory of a disk. Sectors Subdivisions of the tracks on a storage medium that provide storage areas for data. Server operating system A type of operating system, sometimes called a network operating system, that provides management tools for distributed networks, e-mail servers, and Web hosting sites. Single-user operating system A type of operating system that is designed for one user at a time using one set of input devices. Subdirectory A directory found under the root directory. Submenu A user interface element that emerges after a menu is selected to offer additional options. Symbian An operating system typically used on mobile phones and open to programming by third-party developers. Taskbar A graphical user interface element usually displayed near the bottom of the screen to help users launch and monitor applications. Toolbar A component of graphical user interfaces that displays icons representing tools, commands, and other options. Tracks A series of concentric or spiral storage areas created on a storage medium during the formatting process. UNIX A multiuser, multitasking server operating system developed by AT&T Bell Laboratories in 1969. User interface The software and hardware that enable people to interact with computers. Virtual machine Software that creates an operating environment that emulates another computer platform; as an example, Parallels Desktop creates a virtual PC on an Intel Macintosh computer. Window An element of graphical user interfaces that is rectangular in shape and displays the controls for a program or a dialog box. Windows Explorer A file management utility included with most Windows operating systems that helps users manage their files. Windows Phone 7 A mobile operating system designed by Microsoft for mobile phones and other handheld digital devices.

Which Windows utility would you use to rearrange parts of files on the drive so they are contiguous?

What type of drive contains spinning platters?

What command creates a subdirectory under a directory?

How often does Windows automatically defragment a magnetic hard drive?