The question of choosing a file system can arise only when installing Windows XP (or even earlier versions of the OS). Starting from Vista, there is no alternative - all subsequent versions of Windows are installed only on NTFS partitions (volumes). The reason for this limitation is very simple. FAT32 (especially FAT16) do not provide reliable storage of information and do not have the ability to implement many new system functions.
Features of the FAT 32 file system
The name of the FAT file system - File Allocation Table reflects the method of data storage used in it in the form of a "file allocation table". If this table is damaged, all information entered into the computer will be lost.
FAT32 does not support logical hard disk partitions larger than 2 TB. The size of the saved file cannot be more than 4 GB, which is too small for a modern user.
The main characteristic of a file system is its stability. When using FAT32, a very common error occurs due to incorrectly written data on the availability of free space.
A file system is a storage structure for files and folders that provides access to data stored on a hard drive.
This error occurs when the process of copying, moving or deleting documents fails and is due to the fact that Windows does not have time to commit new data. The situation can be corrected only with a complete check of the hard disk using special programs.
Another serious disadvantage of FAT32 is the fast fragmentation of the hard disk, which not only slows down the work, but can also lead to a complete file system crash.
FAT32 is most commonly used today when formatting flash drives. You should select it when installing Windows if you need to create a multiboot configuration using Windows XP Professional and an OS that requires FAT. In most cases, it is best to install Windows on an NTFS partition.
File system NTFS
Unlike FAT32, all data about the location and attributes of files is stored in a system file hidden from user actions. This storage method is more reliable and provides data protection in the event of system failures. The amount of disk space in NTFS is practically unlimited.
The NTFS system makes it possible to control access to files and folders, that is, it allows you to specify which of the users has the right to work with a particular document and what actions he can perform.
Windows XP Professional allows you to convert a FAT partition to NTFS without losing data using the Convert command.
In addition, NTFS allows you to encrypt data on a disk using Microsoft's Encryption System (EFS). Files remain encrypted as they are moved and renamed. The degree of protection is quite sufficient for an ordinary user. NTFS allows you to set disk quotas and limit the space on the hard disk occupied by the documents of a specific user.
NTFS has its own compression algorithm that does not degrade performance. Compression can be applied to files and folders as well as entire disks. Compressed NTFS files take up less space and can be read or written by any Windows or MS-DOS application without first unpacking.
Another innovation in NTFS is mount points. With their help, you can define various folders that are not linked to each other as one drive. This makes it possible to collect in one place the disparate information that is in the system. Only the NTFS file system allows you to implement all the features of WindowsXP.
