Exploring File Systems in Operating Systems

What is a file system?

• A file system is a method for storing and organizing files on a storage device.

• A file system is a programming language used for data manipulation.

• A file system is a hardware component of a computer.

• A file system is a type of software application.

Name three types of file systems.

• NTFS, FAT32, ext4

• ReFS, JFS, Btrfs

• HFS+, APFS, exFAT

• ISO 9660, UDF, ZFS

What is the purpose of a file allocation table (FAT)?

• To manage disk space and track file locations on a storage device.

• To increase the speed of data transfer on the network.

• To create backups of files automatically.

• To encrypt files for security purposes.

Explain the difference between a hard link and a soft link.

• A hard link points directly to the inode of a file, while a soft link points to the file's path.

• A hard link can only be created for directories, while a soft link can be created for files.

• A hard link can be used across different file systems, while a soft link cannot.

• A hard link creates a duplicate of the file, while a soft link creates a shortcut.

What is the role of the inode in a file system?

• The inode stores metadata about files and directories in a file system.

• The inode is used to store the file's content in memory.

• The inode contains the actual data of the file.

• The inode is responsible for managing file permissions.

How does a journaling file system work?

• A journaling file system compresses data to save space before writing.

• A journaling file system works by logging changes before they are applied, ensuring data integrity and enabling recovery after crashes.

• A journaling file system only stores files in memory without saving to disk.

• A journaling file system deletes data immediately after writing.

What are the advantages of using a solid-state drive (SSD) over a traditional hard disk drive (HDD)?

• SSDs are significantly larger and heavier than HDDs.

• HDDs consume less power than SSDs.

• SSDs are more prone to mechanical failure than HDDs.

• SSDs offer faster speeds, greater durability, lower power consumption, and silent operation compared to HDDs.

What is the significance of file permissions in a file system?

• File permissions are only important for file organization.

• File permissions have no impact on system performance.

• File permissions are solely for aesthetic purposes.

• File permissions are significant for security, data integrity, and user access control in a file system.

Describe the concept of file fragmentation.

• File fragmentation refers to the process of merging multiple files into one.

• File fragmentation is the organization of files in a single contiguous block.

• File fragmentation is when a file is compressed to save space.

• File fragmentation is the condition where a file is divided into pieces and stored in non-contiguous sectors on a storage device.

What is the difference between NTFS and FAT32?

• NTFS is only compatible with older operating systems, while FAT32 works on all devices.

• NTFS supports larger files and advanced features, while FAT32 has a 4GB file size limit and fewer capabilities.

• NTFS has a 2GB file size limit and is faster than FAT32.

• FAT32 supports encryption and compression features like NTFS.