Features FAT 32 file system
The name of the file system FAT — File Allocation Table reflects the method of data storage in the form of "file allocation table". Damage this table, all information entered into the computer will be lost.
FAT32 does not support logical partitions of a hard disk larger than 2 TB. The size of the file cannot be over 4GB, which is too low for a modern user.
The main feature of the file system is the stability of its work. If you are using FAT32, very often encounter the error associated with incorrectly recorded data on the availability of free places.
File system is a storage structure of files and folders, which provides access to the data recorded on the hard disk.
This error occurs when the process fails to copy, move or delete documents and to do with the fact that Windows does not have time to record new data. Rectify the situation can only with a full check of the hard drive using special software.
Another major disadvantage of FAT32 is the fastest hard disk fragmentation, which is not only slower but also can lead to a complete downfall of the file system.
Currently FAT32 is most often used when formatting the flash storage. Select it when installing Windows should be the case, if you need to create a multi-boot configuration using Windows XP Professional and OS require FAT. In most cases it is better to install Windows on an NTFS partition.
The NTFS file system
Unlike FAT32, all data on the location and file attributes are stored in a hidden from user actions the system file. This storage method is more reliable and provides data protection during system failures. The amount of disk space in NTFS is virtually unlimited.
NTFS allows you to control access to files and folders, that is allows you to specify which users have the right to work with a specific document and what actions it can perform.
Windows XP Professional allows you to convert a FAT partition to NTFS without data loss by using the Convert command.
In addition, NTFS allows you to encrypt data on disk using the Microsoft encryption system (EFS). The files remain encrypted when they are moved and renamed. The degree of protection is sufficient for the average user. NTFS allows you to set disk quotas, and limit the hard disk space occupied by documents a particular user.
NTFS has its own compression algorithm does not reduce performance. Compression can be applied to files and folders and entire drives. NTFS compressed files take up less space and can be read or written by any Windows application or MS-DOS without decompressing.
Another innovation in NTFS mount points. They can be used to define various folders that are not related to each other as a single disk. This gives the opportunity to gather in one place the scattered information in the system. To realize all the possibilities WindowsXP only allows NTFS file system.