Optimizing

Hello again :)
 
There are a couple of "old time" Windows Utilities, one of which is Defrag.  It is Defrag, or other utilities like it, that are generally to be avoided with the SSD drives.
 
The Webroot Optimizer does NOT defrag.  What it does is simply remove files that you no longer need, but it does not defrag (Some other utilities called a defrag function an optimize drive.... this is not the same.)
 
One thing that you might consider before running the Optimizer is going into the Advanced Settings under the Secure Erase area.  The settings here ARE used by the System Optimizer.  You can overwrite the files to securely erase them as a single pass, 3 passes or 7.  With an SSD I would think that the low single pass is what you want to use.
 
Look at the following areas of your Advanced Settings in WSA:
 
System Optimizer: In here you can see what files it can delete, and select which ones you want to be removed and which types you want left alone.
 
Secure Erase: Select the number of write over passes you want used when deteting files during the Optimizer.  Again, I think I would suggest low (1 pass) for an SSD, though I do not own an SSD and am no expert on them.
 
I hope this helps, but if not please follow up and either @ or @ can probably add to this and answer any other questions you may have!

Hi Tikkihut
 
The Optimizer is really, IMHO, just a Windows Cleaner, akin to CCleaner, than an optimiser in the better understood meaning of the word. And as such it just cleans traces, temp files, some Registry entries, etc...but don't get me wrong...I use it regularly...but there is no need to worry about an effect on your SSD... @ uses it as far as I recall and his system has the advtange of using SSDs rather than HDDs...hopefully he can advise further on this point.
 
You can customise what is cleaned or 'optimised' and please review this article for more information on this.
 
Please do come back here if you do have any further question on this or any other WSA subject.
 
Regards, Baldrick

David thank you for the information, I will give it a shot and move forward.
 
Greg

@ wrote:
David thank you for the information, I will give it a shot and move forward.
 
Greg

Greg, 
 
Let us  know how you do with it.  You should be pleased with the results if experience has any indication.  Remember to go over all of the settings for it to make sure that you are only removing files that you do not want, but also that you are indeed getting all of the files you want erased gotten rid of.  
 :)

Thank you very much Baldrick for replying and giving me the info. plus article containing video. I know I'm a novice here but it seems Webroot should mention something in their video regarding this...at least for folks like myself.
 
Greg

I am beginning to understand now but one must admit it can get confusing [at least for me] when optimize, fragment, defragment - etc. are all used in same sentence. I do now have ''Do Not Defragment'' lodged in my brain! :D
 
Also appreciate article.
 
Thanks Daniel,
Greg

It can get very confusuing indeed.  As I recall, another AV product does call their own version of a Defrag an "Optimize" function.
 
The best thing to do is just what you did here: simply ask what the specific functions of a specific program do and go from there :)
 
Glad we have helped.  Thank you TripleHelix and Baldrick for giving me a hand... TEAMWORK   🙂

Just a short note to say the Webroot links have been helpful.
 
Greg

Greg, 
 
As you have seen, we have a lot of good people on here.  Drop in anytime you have a question, problem, or even just want to say hi!  We would be glad to see you.