wut does contiguous file mean?

Question

when i defrag my comp the blue says contiguous files im extremly curious to wut it means can anyone explain to me please? dictionary.com did not help me at all so i went here PLEASE HELP ME. EXPLAINING TO ME thanks

Answer 1

A file on disk that is not broken apart. All sectors are adjacent to each other. A contiguous file is faster to read and write than one that is fragmented across the disk.

Answer 2

Webopedia says: Immediately adjacent. For example, contiguous sectors on a disk are sectors that come one after the other. Frequently, a file stored on disk can become fragmented, which means that it is stored on non-contiguous sectors.

In basic English - when we create long files, the system grabs sector by sector to store it. Space is limited, therefore, a long file can be broken up into many sectors. When you call-up or open a long file, the system has to jump around to gather all the sectors. When you defrag, the system gathers all sectors to individual files and places them next to each other - making it easier and faster for the system to work.

Answer 3

Imagine piece of papers of different size. Now align them the way you want into a straight line. This represent files on your hard disk. Not lets say that you remove one. This will create a "hole" in your line. This would be if you delete a file from your hard drive. Now if you want to add a new file to your hard drive (or a new piece of paper to your line), it will goes in the "hole" that you created. But if the new paper (the files) is bigger that the "hole" you will have to tear it up in two pieces. The same thing goes for file. Your computer will split your file in tiny pieces across your hard drive.

Now obviously, reading a file that is scattered across your hard drive take longer that if the files is in one piece (contiguous). That what the defrag do. It replace all the little files pieces and regroup them into big file once again so its faster to read.

Answer 4

When you use your PC the files you use get broken up and left all over the place so next time you use a programme the PC has to run around grabbing them all to make the programme work. Defragmenting just gets all the bits of files and puts them back next to each other so it can find the bits quicker and easier. Contiguous means close to but not touching. Imagine a messy bedroom with everything on the floor, draped over the chair, under the bed and so on. If you defragmented it, you'd put the dirty washing in the laundry, pair up your socks and shoes and put them away, hang up your clothes, put books on the shelf etc. so that everything is easier to find next time you need them.

Answer 5

On a hard drive, there are many blocks where data can be stored. A contiguous file occupies multiple blocks that are adjacent to each other.

Answer 6

1 : being in actual contact : touching along a boundary or at a point
2 of angles : ADJACENT 2
3 : next or near in time or sequence
4 : touching or connected throughout in an unbroken sequence
synonym see ADJACENT