• File systems fat32 ntfs. Features of FAT32, NTFS and exFAT file systems

    Everyone who has ever installed an operating system has encountered the fact that at the stage of formatting the installation hard section disk, the program prompts you to select the file system type FAT or NTFS.

    And those who happened to format a flash drive or other external storage device needed to decide between three file systems: FAT32, NTFS and exFAT. Most often, users choose the default formatting because they do not know what the difference is.

    This article is addressed to those who want to fill this gap in their knowledge.

    FAT file structure: principles and purpose

    File structure or File system was developed in the 70s of the last century by Microsoft and represented a certain procedure for organizing space for storing and accessing data on computers and other digital devices.

    The purpose of the functionality is to provide the user with convenient control information stored on a disk or external gadget. The file system includes files, folders and directories, as well as a complex system tools, implementing interaction with them to perform the functions of reading-writing, creating-deleting, copying, naming, etc. Besides, this structure organizes sharing to information between users and provides protection against unauthorized actions through encryption, operation in read-only mode, etc.

    Structurally, the entire disk space area is divided into clusters, like a sheet of checkered paper. Each cell is a block, the size of which is set during formatting and must be a multiple of 2. The minimum size can be 512 bytes (for a flash drive), for hard drive it is 32 KB. One file can occupy several such clusters. You can figuratively imagine disk space in the form of a notebook, where the cluster is a letter, the file is a word, and the file structure is the table of contents of the notebook.

    When accessing a file, the operating system must find it in several clusters located in different places on the disk, thus forming a chain of clusters. Each cluster has its own label, which identifies it as one of three types:

    1. Free, ready to record data.
    2. Busy, which stores part of the information and has in the label data about the next cluster in the chain, while the latter is marked with a special label.
    3. BAD block is a cluster with errors that is no longer accessible after formatting.

    The size of the mark is determined by the type file structure: For FAT32 it is 32 bytes.

    The entire file system consists of the following parts:

    • the boot sector, which is located at the beginning of the disk, is activated after the OS boots and stores the partition parameters;
    • a file allocation table (“table of contents”) that stores cluster labels;
    • copies of the file allocation table to recover data if the file structure is damaged;
    • root directory;
    • data areas;
    • cylinder to perform read/write operations.

    There are three types of FAT file systems: FAT12, FAT16 and FAT32. FAT has been replaced by NTFS, and exFAT is an extended version of FAT32 and is mainly used for flash drives.

    Advantages and disadvantages of FAT32, NTFS and exFAT file structures

    In order to decide on the choice of the most optimal file system for formatting, we will consider descriptions of all three options, focusing on the advantages and disadvantages of each.

    FAT32

    Among the three file structures considered, FAT32 is the oldest. It replaced FAT16 and until recently was the most progressive. The release of FAT32 was timed to coincide with the release of the operating room Windows systems 95 OSR2 in 1996. Main distinctive features: 32-bit cluster addressing and size limitations: file no more than 4 GB and volume 128 GB.

    Advantages

    Despite some moral backwardness, FAT32 has a number of advantages over other file systems. Its main attraction is compatibility and versatility. FAT32 works with all versions of operating systems, including Windows (comparison of all versions), Linux and MacOS, and is suitable for any game consoles and other gadgets with USB port. Today it is used in all external drives(flash drives, CD cards) by default, since many old devices: PCs, laptops, set-top boxes with a USB input can only work with FAT32.

    Other important advantages of the file system are: high-speed performance, undemanding volume RAM, productive work with files average and not large size, as well as slight disc wear due to smaller head movements. However, it is also subject to fragmentation, and periodic defragmentation will definitely not hurt.

    Flaws

    The main disadvantage of this file system is its size limitations. For clusters, it cannot be more than 64 KB, otherwise some applications may incorrectly calculate disk space.

    The file size should not exceed 4 GB, so maximum size disk with a cluster size for a file allocation table of 32 KB will be about 8 TB.

    When formatting a disk using ScanDisk, which is a 16-bit program, taking into account the FAT tables themselves and with a maximum cluster size of 32 KB, the volume size is limited to 128 gigabytes.

    Considering that not many computer devices are equipped with a hard drive larger than 8 TB, this drawback will not be noticeable for most users. However, the fact that FAT32 works with files up to 4 GB in size is a significant disadvantage, since most high-quality video files in the modern 4K format today are larger than these 4 GB, and therefore are not compatible with this file system.

    Besides its size limitations, FAT32 has other disadvantages. She doesn't support long names files, which is not very convenient for users who want to identify files logically based on its content. There are complaints about the security system (an additional anti-virus scanner would not hurt) and file security in case of failures (features of hard drives), as well as low speed when working with directories containing many files.

    Thus, FAT32 is more suitable for portable, low-capacity devices and older computers. The latest versions of Windows can no longer be installed on a disk formatted with the FAT32 system; reformatting to NTFS is necessary.

    The main use of the FAT32 file system today is in portable flash drives and SD cards (features), which contain few files and are compatible with a variety of digital devices.

    NTFS

    This file system was developed by Microsoft in 1993 and introduced with Windows NT 3.1. In the title itself new technology file system, which means file system new technology , lies its progressive essence.

    After formatting a disk in NTFS, it is divided into three zones:

    • MFT - zone or general file table (Master File Table), where information about files and directories is stored;
    • user data;
    • metafiles containing service information.

    Each of the metafiles is responsible for a specific area. For example, LogFile is a logging file in which all operations are recorded in the log, Boot is the boot sector, Bitmap controls the free space in the partition, etc. This structure reliably protects files from any failures, be it OS freezes or power outages.

    Advantages

    Unlike FAT32, this file structure has virtually no restrictions on the size of files and directories. The cluster size can vary from 512 bytes to 64 KB, with the optimal size being 4 KB.

    Thanks to many significant improvements to improve security, such as support for file access rights, HPFS quotas, encryption, journaling, access control and auditing, hard links, etc., NTFS is ideal for formatting a disk for the system area. Other hard drive partitions can also be formatted in this system, since NTFS allows optimal use of disk space when there are many small files.

    The advantage of this file organization is fast speed access to small files, high performance when working with large files, and the ability to use long names files.

    Flaws

    The main disadvantage of the NTFS system is its incompatibility with all operating systems below Windows NT, as well as limitations in compatibility with other operating systems. So, Mac OS reads files from NTFS disks, but cannot write them, the same situation with compatibility Linux files. Most Popular game consoles Playstation and Xbox 360 do not work with NTFS, only Xbox One can interact with her.

    Disadvantages of NTFS also include high RAM requirements, lower speed compared to FAT32, and difficulty managing medium-sized directories.

    Thus, it makes more sense to use the NTFS file structure on hard drives, including SSD running latest versions Windows starting from NT.

    exFAT

    This file system is the latest to be reviewed in terms of release time. It appeared in 2008 with regular updates to Windows XP and is, in fact, an extended version of FAT32.

    The main goal of the developers is to create a productive, convenient and universal file structure for portable storage devices: flash drives, SD cards and removable hard drives.

    Advantages:

    • Simple organization without specialized features and restrictions on file and partition sizes.
    • Excellent compatibility with all Windows operating systems, as well as Mac OS and Linux. In the latter option, installation of additional software is required.
    • Support from all modern Apple devices, as well as game consoles Xbox One and Playstation 4.

    The main disadvantage of the exFAT file organization is Microsoft's licensing policy prohibiting it free use in the public domain.

    The most optimal file structure

    Having considered the descriptions of three popular file systems, we can draw the following conclusions:

    • For computer devices with an operating system higher than Windows NT, it would be more appropriate to format the hard drive in the NTFS system;
    • for older devices, as well as for the purpose of compatibility with various modern digital gadgets, the best option FAT32 will be selected;
    • for any removable media it would be ideal to use the system

    And lastly: information about what file structure is implemented on your disks can be found in the “General” tab (right mouse button “Properties”).

    The file system on your device is playing important role. Thanks to it, data is processed and stored on the medium. The file system limits the size of the file and the number of characters in its name, as well as the speed of data exchange.

    On at the moment There are many file systems in the world, but two of them are the most popular:

    • exFAT
    • NTFS.

    And when organizing a system on a computer, most users have the question “Ntfs or exfat?” Let's consider each system separately, and then conduct a comparative analysis.

    exFat

    The exFat file system was developed by Microsoft and is a modernized version of the FAT32 system. In the new reproduction the following restrictions have been removed:

    • File volume,
    • Section volume,
    • The number of files in one section and folder.

    It is most actively used by users on removable media. However, there is one drawback that may seem like a stumbling block; many household devices do not support it! As for the Windows system, the XP version does not support exFAT by default. But the user can download an update from the official website that will remove this restriction. Modern versions operating systems support exFAT.

    NTFS

    This file system was also developed by Microsoft Corporation ( Windows developer) and is still used today as a modern analogue of FAT32.
    If you install it on removable media, the data transfer speed will be quite low. This is due to the use of the cache when copying data. It works like this:

    1. First, the information is stored in the cache, and the speed can reach 100 MB per second!
    2. But since the cache on removable media is small, it fills up quickly and the speed decreases sharply.

    In the situation with computers and laptops, this feature works great because the cache size is larger, and this allows you to smooth out the data transfer curve and increase speed.

    Comparison of the exFAT file system with NTFS

    exFAT does not have most of the nice features that are present in NTFS, such as file data transfers, which increases the speed of information exchange. But the advantages of exFAT include the use of less memory, and it is also capable of storing files larger than 4 GB. Only NTFS was capable of this before.
    Which system to use depends on the media, its volume and the user's choice! If you don't want to tempt your fate and run into pitfalls incompatibility, then NTFS is recommended.

    File system for flash drive(fs) plays a huge role. Thanks to FS, information is organized, stored and sorted on a medium. This is necessary to make it easier for your operating system to work with them. FS drivers transmit information to the operating system about: file size, file name, attributes and storage location...

    The file system sets the maximum file size, the length of its name, and other attributes.

    Today there are about a dozen file systems for flash drives, I propose to focus on the three most popular of them:

    • FAT32
    • exFAT

    Let's look at each of them separately and identify: the advantages, disadvantages and features of using each file system on various flash drives.

    File system for a flash drive and its varieties

    FAT32

    This fs was created by Microsoft to replace the obsolete FAT16. Today this fs is the most common. Almost all memory cards and usb flash drives sold in FAT32. Consumer devices, such as a video camera, only support FAT32. This compatibility is the main advantage of this file system. Using such a flash device in a DVD player, music center, TV - you will be sure that such a device will definitely be read. This is where all the “advantages” of this fs end.

    The main drawback of this system is the limitation on the maximum size of the copied file of 4 GB. Therefore, copy a large file (for example, a movie in BDRip quality or iso image great game) will not work.

    However, if you have a flash drive of 4 GB or less in size or there is no need to copy files large sizes, you can no doubt format your drive to FAT32.

    exFAT

    This file system for a flash drive was developed by the same Microsoft. It is intended primarily for flash devices. In essence, this fs is the same FAT32, but with lifted restrictions on: file size, partition size and number of files in the folder. In my opinion, this file system is better suited for storage drives and memory cards. But this system also has its drawback. It is not supported by many household devices, as well as older ones Windows versions XP. But Microsoft announced a patch KB955704, for exFAT and Windows XP compatibility. New ones operating systems support this system without any problems.

    If you constantly use a flash drive on a large number of computers, including PCs running Windows XP old version(service pack 1), then you will have to carry another flash drive with the patch with you, and this, you see, is inconvenient.

    But if you use a flash drive in several places on computers with a new operating system, then exFAT is the best option for you.

    NTFS

    NTFS is a reliable file system for flash drives, originating from Windows family N.T.
    IN desktop computers(PC) and laptops, it replaced FAT32.

    However, on flash devices and removable hard drives, NTFS works, to put it mildly, “peculiarly”. When writing information to such media, Windows turns on the caching tool (first, the files are copied to a specially allocated memory (cache), and then to the destination media). In computer or laptop hard drives, this allows you to increase copy speeds and smooth out the latency curve. IN portable devices(memory cards, flash drives removable drives) it will look like this: at first the write speed will be high and can reach up to 100 MB/s (as when copying from one computer hard drive to another), then, when the cache is full, the speed will drop sharply.

    In addition, before copying a new file, the system must append the current file from the cache. Therefore, it seems that copying is stuck at 99%, but the hard drive indicator will show activity. Because of this, incorrect information about copying speed will be displayed (1):

    This speed is achieved by a 2GB flash drive. real speed records of which is 5 MB.

    When comparing the copying speed with and without cache, you will see that it is almost the same. That is, it turns out that when using NTFS we do not get significant advantages.

    If you look from the other side, NTFS is a reliable file system that can withstand several sudden resets. This reliability is provided by the logging protocol. This results in the system frequently accessing certain areas of the flash device. For USB flash drives and memory cards, this approach is critical, as these devices wear out faster.

    From this it is clear that this file system is not very suitable for a flash drive.

    File system performance comparisons:

    Below I want to clearly show the characteristics of the flash drive. A-Data on 8 GB formatted in different file systems.

    1. Maximum flash drive capacity available after formatting:
    2. Average write/read speed:

    As you can see, exFAT is ahead of its competitors.

    The file system for the flash drive is changed through formatting. If you don't know how to do this, follow the link below:

    In conclusion, I would like to give a few useful recommendations owners of storage devices. Do you have a small flash drive (up to 4 GB)? Feel free to format it to FAT32. If the flash device is large (from 4 GB), use exFAT. Leave NTFS for stationary and portable hard drives.

    I hope from this article you understand which file system for a flash drive is right for you.

    When you install Windows XP, the installer asks you: “How to format the disk FAT32 or NTFS." Let's figure out what's really better. I won’t go into purely technical details, if you’re interested, look it up on Wikipedia or somewhere else, I’ll explain it for dummies. Let’s start with FAT 32(File Allocation Table) - a spreadsheet for file allocation. This means that the location of the file is not recorded in a special table. It is located almost at the very beginning of the disk. But in front of her only boot record. After the FAT entry comes the root directory, and then all the others. The maximum file name length is 255 characters, file size is 4 GB. Windows XP cannot create a disk larger than 32 GB, although it can work with big disks. When a file is written, data about its location and free and occupied space are entered into the table. This is where FAT gets into trouble. If suddenly the power goes out while copying a file. The OS cannot record the quantity in the table free space and you have to check the disks - the famous blue screen with percentages during boot.

    NTFS(New Technology File System) - File system using new technology. NTFS also stores information about files in a table - in the main file table - Master File Table (MFT), it can occupy 12% of the entire disk. This is a lot, of course, but when a place disappears, the MFT zone itself decreases, and when possible, it itself increases. Hence the minus - when the disk is heavily loaded, the operating speed will decrease due to fragmentation of the zone itself. Each entry in MFT corresponds to a file and takes up about 1 Kb. What's new? Reliability. This is achieved by logging - the order of actions is recorded. The file was copied - a recording appears, if the power is lost at the time of copying - there will be no recording - the procedure is not completed, and everything remains correct in the MFT. Support is a benefit large files, the ability to limit access to data for different users and user groups. In addition, a copy of MFT is also saved in the middle of the disk - MFTmirr.

    So which is better FAT32 or NTFS?

    FAT32 is faster, requires fewer resources, can cache small files, but has poor crash protection and file and disk size limits.

    NTFS requires at least 64 MB of RAM for its needs, is a little slower, and makes more head movement when reading a record. But it is more protected from failures and has virtually no restrictions on disk size. High performance when working with large files, and in order not to reduce the speed of work, it is recommended not to fill the disk to capacity - leave the MFT zone at 12%.

    So, if you need to park a machine in the office, behind which an employee with “crooked” hands is sitting, definitely NTFS.

    Selecting a file system for regular user becomes relevant when hard formatting disk, flash drive or other storage medium. The system offers several options: FAT16, FAT32, exFAT, NTFS. Almost nothing is known about the advantages and disadvantages of each, so they often choose what is well-known - as a rule, this is NTFS. To be fair, it is worth clarifying that FAT16 today is more of a memory, and formatting media into it is done only as an experiment. exFAT system, due to its still insignificant distribution, can also be considered, if not exclusive, then not universal solution— not all operating systems support it. So the choice is between two abbreviations - FAT32 and NTFS.

    FAT32- a file system created on the basis of FAT16. Essentially, this file system is a file layout spreadsheet using 32-bit records. By the way, the abbreviation stands for File Allocation Table.

    NTFS- a file system, which is a certain structure: at the beginning of the disk there is a summary table (or directory) of all files, then - the data itself. The abbreviation stands for New Technology File System.

    In practice today, the FAT32 file system is more often used on small removable media, NTFS on system drives and for storing large files. FAT32 clusters are larger and therefore waste disk space when storing large numbers of small files. Large quantity programs that require, for example, many libraries, font files and others, will respond to the FAT32 system slow work. NTFS provides quick access to a small file or part of a file.

    In general, NTFS is noticeably slower than FAT32, but NTFS is more efficient when accessing large files. Fragmentation does not affect NTFS in any way, while FAT32 will noticeably reduce performance (especially when working with medium-sized directories).

    Speaking of hardware work tough disks, then FAT32 will provide a gentle mode for them: when reading, the head makes fewer movements, and accordingly, the degree of mechanical wear will be less. However, the relevance of this property is lost in light of the negligible use of the FAT32 file system on hard drives in systems. The design of flash drives and memory cards does not imply mechanical wear.

    To work with file NTFS system requires a significant amount of RAM, so weak systems with RAM less than 64 MB are not designed for it. Although at present such assemblies can only be found in museums or created for the sake of experimentation. However, it is worth remembering that the FAT32 system does not impose requirements on the amount of RAM, especially if you take into account the option of expanding the standard memory mobile devices. The phone simply will not be able to work with a memory card formatted in NTFS, even if access is possible from the operating system.

    The maximum file size in FAT32 is 4 GB. NTFS theoretically supports files of about 16 TB in size. The theoretical maximum disk size for FAT32 is 8 TB, while for NTFS it is about 16 exabytes. True, technology has not yet reached the point of using these properties in practice.

    Another undoubted advantage of NTFS is the ability to compress a file at the file system level. We can also talk about more high level system reliability, and, in addition, the ability to save the file structure in NTFS in the event of a failure.

    Conclusions website

    1. NTFS uses disk space more efficiently.
    2. FAT32 is faster.
    3. NTFS provides high performance when working with large files.
    4. FAT32 supports files up to 4 GB in size.
    5. FAT32 does not require a lot of RAM.
    6. NTFS ensures high system reliability.
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