Defragmentation and compression

What is the difference between defragmentation and compression? I use a registry defragmenter but there is also compression software.

 

>>What is the difference between defragmentation and compression? I use a registry defragmenter but there is also compression software. << jerseydevil

Fragmentation vs. Compression

Fragmentation is the process of removing wasted space between fragments on a hard disk. As fragmentation occurs, small areas of wasted space are created on the hard disk between the fragments. This process moves all the fragments close together producing more usable disk space and better overall drive efficiency.

Compression is generally referred to as the process or method of "packing data" which reduce the number of bits required to represent information [define a document] in order to save disk space. Compression is used to reduce storage and speed data transmission, thereby conserving bandwidth and/or memory.

A good example of this is when a freeware or shareware developer offers a link to downloadable .zip files [rather that the larger .exe files] in order to save bandwidth and speed the download of the install files to your desktop. Another example is when users utilize a .zip utility to compress documents in order to send a number of documents all at once via e-mail to others or to save space on their hard drive.