Optimizing a magnetic disk by allocating files by the frequency a file is accessed/updated or by designating a file to a fixed location on a disk

A method for automatically optimizing computer disks is disclosed which utilizes recorded file usage to determine this optimum location of files on the disk. Each file on the disk is assigned a priority, depending upon its characteristics and frequency of usage. The files on the disk are then reordered on the basis of their priorities (for instance, active files are grouped together in low-numbered sections and volatile files are grouped with free space), thereby minimizing seek time of disk access. The method can be done in the background and optimization can occur on a daily basis.