Short answer-yes and regularly. If you install and delete files on a regular
basis, it's even more important. It gathers file fragments that are spread
out on the hard drive and consolidates them, thereby improving access time
and improving performance. The best way to perform this function is to boot
into safe mode so that fewer processes will be running and the defrag is
more likely to run uninterrupted. The fastest way to start in Windows XP
(you didn't mention what os you're using) is start\all
programs\accessories\system tools\disk defragmenter.
