Computers: How to Reduce Hard Disk Thrashing & Noise

Does your computer's hard disk run quite often, frequently making noise and/or flashing its light? If so, this is referred to as "disk thrashing". The more your computer has to read and write to its hard drive, the more noise it makes and the sooner it can wear out. It also uses more electricity, which can cause your battery to run out of energy sooner if you use a laptop.

There are a number of ways to reduce the amount of times your computer has to use its hard disk. Using the internet is one source of excessive hard disk usage. By turning off images and/or "cookies", you can reduce the amount of information that needs to be written to temporary files. However, this will make some websites difficult or impossible to use, which may or may not be a problem (depending upon which websites you frequently visit). Another option is to have your temporary internet files placed on a RAMDISK (read more here).

Using swap space (or "virtual memory") can also increase disk thrashing. In most modern operating systems, including Windows, your computer will use part of the hard drive as memory (RAM) if it runs out of actual memory. Virtual memory can be turned off in most operating systems, but some programs will not function without it. This problem can be reduced by adding more memory or changing to software which doesn't need as much memory.

If you are trying to reduce hard drive noise, keep in mind that the amount of noise is to some extent based on the hard drive model, its placement within the computer, and the computer's design. Nonetheless, in any situation it will make more noise when it is frequently in use.

Some programs and even operating systems (such as particular versions of Linux) can be run entirely from a CD-ROM without being installed to the hard drive. Using this type of software reduces disk thrashing, although it will put more stress on the CD drive and compact discs, along with making the start-up time longer in most cases. However, CD-ROM drives are generally cheaper and easier to replace than a hard disk.

Finally, although it won't reduce the noise, another option is to add a small 2nd drive which is to be used for temporary files and/or virtual memory. Preferably, this hard drive should hold less than 5GB so that it is inexpensive to replace. This way, if the secondary hard drive wears out, you can replace it without a substantial loss of money or data (all programs and documents should be kept on the primary hard drive).

Following these tips should help your computer's hard disk last longer, which will save you time and money which would be spent replacing it and the data it stores.