File System of Storage device and how it is related to formatting...
..
As we all
know, formatting is one of the easiest tasks to perform when using computers,
tablets, and even smartphones.
However, here's the catch: if you encounter
any issues with a storage device, there is a possibility that it is related to
the file system. Now, let's delve deeper into this topic and learn more about
what a file system is.
A file system is a method by which your operating system stores, organizes, and retrieves data on a storage device. This is also related to formatting. When you format a storage device, you will come across the option of selecting a file system.
•
FAT32 (File Allocation Table 32)
•
NTFS (New Technology File System)
•
exFAT (Extended File Allocation table)
•
ext4 (Fourth Extended File System)
•
HFS (Hierarchical File System)
•
HFS+ ( Hierarchical File System Plus)
•
APFS (Apple File System)
Let's discuss these file systems:
exFAT, NTFS, FAT32,
and exFAT are commonly used on Windows and Linux systems.
HFS, HFS+, and APFS
are used on Apple computers.
When you format any
storage drive (HDD, SSD, floppy disk, USB drives, etc.) with these file
systems, the operating system creates logical space on the drive, known as
clusters.
Each cluster has its
minimum and maximum size depending on the chosen file system.
Let's
delve further into the details of these file systems.
|
FAT32 |
NTFS |
exFAT |
ext4 |
HFS |
HFS+ |
APFS |
|
Maximum file size 4 GB, Maximum partition file size 32
GB(in windows). |
No such file size or partition size limits. (they generally mention 16 EB) |
No such file size or partition size limits. (they generally mention 16 EB) |
Maximum file size 16 TB, Maximum partition file size
1 EB. |
Maximum file size 2 GB, Maximum partition file size
2 TB. |
massive maximum volume and file sizes extending up
to 8 EB (varies on OS you use) |
Maximum file size 8EB, Maximum partition file size 2
TB. |
|
Works with all versions of Windows, MAC, Linux, etc.
Any drive having USB port can use FAT32. |
Compatible with all versions of Windows, Read-Only
with MAC and some version of Linux |
Works with all versions of Windows, MAC OS X.
Requires additional software on Linux. |
Work with Linux Only |
Only available for apple |
Only available for apple |
Only available for apple. |
|
Best for removable drives |
Best for Windows System and Internal Drive used by
Windows. |
Best for flash drives |
Best for Linux System and Drive used by Linux. |
store the files on floppy disks, CD-ROM discs, and
hard drives of Apple Macintosh computers. |
store the files on floppy disks, CD-ROM discs, and
hard drives of Apple Macintosh computers. |
store the files on floppy disks, CD-ROM discs, and
hard drives of Apple Macintosh computers. |
As
shown in the table above, we can observe all the details.
For example, FAT32 has
a maximum file size of 4GB, meaning you cannot store a single file larger than
4GB. Additionally, if you plan to partition the drive, each partition cannot
exceed the size of 32GB. Therefore, it's important to consider your needs and
format the drives accordingly.
Here are some points you should remember:
·
If
you want to store smaller files, you can use FAT32.
·
If
you are a Windows user, it is recommended to use NTFS.
·
For
creating a bootable drive for different operating systems, you can use exFAT.
·
Apple
users should use HFS+ or APFS.