Frequency of defragging.

[tpolcha]

I read an article by Kim Kommando stating that the defrag tool shouldn't be over used as it strains the system.  I have talked with friends who use it monthly in order to regain or maintain optimum performance.  Would anyone like to comment; and if you can, offer some this newbie other articles so I might educate myself?

[Calum]

It doesn't matter how often you defrag, it won't strain your HDD.
I defrag probably at least once a week because I use my system a lot.
I also defrag after installing programs or downloading large files.
Once a month is good enough, it really depends on how much you use your PC, and what for.

[patio]

Weekly...if your HDD is gonna fail defrag won't make it happen any sooner...