Defragmenting in linux?
 

Is there any way to defragment a hardisk in linux, is it necesarry, and if not, why not? Just curios!:)

No need to defrag in Linux.
lynch

There is a way, I don't know what it is though. But unless your installation is several years old you shouldn't need it at all.

The partitions get fragmented when they fill up.How bad depends on the file system.There is a defrag programm for ext2/3 but it comes with a bunch of warnings.

I've heard that ext3 file systems don't get nearly as "jacked up" as FAT32 or NTFS. Plus, doesn't the Linux swap file have it's own partition? Windows just throws swap files where ever there is room. If I'm not mistaken swaping (or virtual memory) fragments the drive more than anything.

linux doesn't need a defrag, and it automatically start at booting.
If i am not maybe it call fsck or something like that.
Just be aware Linus doesnot like Bill gates, need to be defrag anytime

I'm not an expert in Linux, so my question is: Does Linux perform compaction as well? Does it happen automatically or you have to do it manually?

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