Vopt

Vopt (pronounced "vee-opt") is a Windows defragmentation utility sold by Golden Bow Systems.[1][2][3] It is one of the oldest defragmentation products, and has supported MS-DOS and all versions of Microsoft Windows.[4] The convenience of quick processing time is offset by less optimal performance, but when used in conjunction with the built-in optimization of the Windows prefetch folder, system performance is maintained without major reorganization of all the files on the drive. In February 2016, the registration key is released free in accordance with the author Barry Emerson's wish.

Vopt
Developer(s)Golden Bow Systems
Stable release9.21.0001 (November 14, 2010 (2010-11-14)) [±]
Operating systemWindows
TypeDefragmentation
LicenseProprietary
Websitevopt.com dead link

Features

The aim of any defragger is to reduce or eliminate file fragmentation, and thereby improve the performance of the file system. Vopt achieves this by means of the following features:

  • Fast defragmentation algorithm[5] when compared to the Windows Defragmenter[6]
  • Optionally cleans up cookies, internet cache, temporary files and recycle bin before defrag. This saves time and allows for more efficient file placement.
  • Information display shows largest, fragmented, and locked files, to assist in problem solving
  • Can be run at startup, so that recently fragmented files are processed in a few minutes, keeping the system well organized.[7]

This combination of features is not shared by other defrag programs, and Vopt fills a niche in the defragger market not addressed by its competitors. As such it has earned the recommendation and endorsement of reviewers and industry analysts alike. In "Computing At Chaos Manor", Jerry Pournelle writes:

I differ from some of the pundits over disk defragmentation. I think it helps, particularly on laptops where you aren’t likely to have a lot of extra disk space. The defragmenter I recommend is VOPT from Golden Bow, but anyone who has been reading this column for long knows that. I have been using VOPT for two decades, and I have never lost a byte of data from doing it. The first time you run VOPT it can take a long time. After that it's faster. I am sure there are faster defragmenters, but I am even more sure there is no safer defragmenter.[8]

I am not entirely fond of the [Vopt8] interface, but the program has new capabilities. Disk defragmentation isn't as important in these days of enormous disks as it used to be, but it's still worth doing: among other advantages, programs that have been defragmented load faster, and there's less wear on the disk drive. Drives run cooler, and that may be important in hot weather. I use VOPT regularly even when my disks are not full. Highly recommended.[9]

Version 7 is the only commercially available defrag program still supporting 16-bit Windows. Users upgrading from Windows 95 to Windows XP have been able to retain the use of their existing package. Version 8 works with NTFS-compatible versions of Windows, using the built-in File defrag API. Version 3.0 supports NT.

Windows gives you two tools for maintaining your hard drive and helping its performance. ... Check Disk and Defrag aren't the best tools available for maintaining your hard drive. You can find better versions of these tools in third-party utilities ... another good alternative for the Defrag tool is Vopt ("Vee-Opt") from Golden Bow Systems.[10]

Compatibility

Vopt (version 9.12 and later) is fully compatible with 64-bit versions of Windows, including 64 bit Windows 7.[11]

See also

References
  1. "I use the VOPT program from Golden Bow Systems to rearrange the files on my fragmented disks." in Supercharging Windows by Judd Robbins, pg 625 - Sybex 1992 (ISBN 0-89588-862-9)
  2. "A Faster Hard Drive' by Steve Bass, Australian PC World 23 April 2007;
  3. Defragment Your Hard Drive in PC Today February 2004, Vol.2 Issue 2 Page(s) 78-80
  4. Chaos Manor Users Choice Awards January 2007: "For about the twentieth year in a row the Chaos Manor Users Choice Award for disk defragmenter goes to Golden Bow's VOPT." -- Jerry Pournelle; and "Vopt is very, very FAST. Golden Bow Systems has a winner here. No choice." in Dr. Dobb's Journal v.13 no.7-12 1988
  5. "... If you are looking for even faster defragmentation, Golden Bow's (www.vopt.com) VoptXP (which also supports Windows 9x, Me, and 2000) is a longtime favorite because of its incredible speed and efficiency. ..." in Upgrading and Repairing Microsoft Windows Scott Mueller, Brian Knittel, page 512
  6. "Disk Organizer "Vopt Is something of a miracle. It performs Its disk reorganization chores In seconds, Instead of the minutes and even hours ..." in Personal Computing Magazine v.11 no.7-9 1987. "VoptXP is the fastest defragmenter of the lot, probably because ..." in PC Today Software Reviews February 2004. "Vopt 8.20 is a fast and easy to use defragmenter ..." in CHIP magazine, 2007
  7. "You can use the Schedule Tool to tell it to run at Startup, and it's so fast it will be done if you turn on your computer and go get a cup of coffee." published in "The Great Defrag Shootout III: Golden Bow Vopt 8.18", May 2007
  8. Computing At Chaos Manor April 17, 2007
  9. "Computing At Chaos Manor" January 9, 2007
  10. Chapter 23 Troubleshooting Your PC For Dummies by Dan Gookin (2005) page 309-310
  11. Vopt official website Archived 2007-09-30 at the Wayback Machine May 20, 2009

Further reading
  • Upgrading and Repairing Microsoft Windows by Scott Mueller and Brian Knittel (2005) - Que (ISBN 0-789734-036)
  • Chapter 23 Troubleshooting Your PC For Dummies by Dan Gookin (2005) - For Dummies (ISBN 0-764577-425)
  • Supercharging Windows by Judd Robbins, pg 625 - Sybex 1992 (ISBN 0-89588-862-9)
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