File system

In a computer, a file system -- sometimes written filesystem -- is the way in which

files are named and where they are placed logically for storage and retrieval. Without
a file system, stored information wouldn't be isolated into individual files and would
be difficult to identify and retrieve.

Digital file systems and files are named for and modeled after paper-based filing
systems using the same logic-based method of storing and retrieving documents.

File systems can differ between operating systems (OS), such as Microsoft
Windows, macOS and Linux-based systems. Some file systems are designed for
specific applications. Major types of file systems include distributed file systems,
disk-based file systems and special purpose file systems.

File system access

File systems can also restrict read and write access to a particular group of users.
Passwords are the easiest way to do this. Along with controlling who can modify or
read files, restricting access can ensure that data modification is controlled and
limited.

File permissions such as access or capability control lists can also be used to
moderate file system access. These types of mechanisms are useful to prevent
access by regular users, but not as effective against outsideintruders.

Advantages of File Management System

1. Cost Effective

File management system is extremely cost effective since it is a digital

filing system. Whatever the type of document that needs to be stored as a
paper can be in the form of digital. Therefore, there is no cost involved in
building rents, purchasing cabinets and physical papers.
2. Security

The traditional method of storing files cannot match the level of security
provided by the file management system. In fact security is one of the
reason why many organizations prefer to use file management system.
The documents stored in the file management system is protected using
authentication methods like username and password.

3. Reliability

The data that is stored in a file management system is far more reliable
than physically storing it using papers and files. Unlike traditional methods
of storing data, files here is very less likely to undergo damage or
destruction. Any damages from nature or handling can be completely
avoided in a file management system.

4. Data Sharing

Data sharing is one of the key features of a file management system. FMS
allows very efficient way of sharing data with each and every person. The
same data that is stored on files can be shared with multiple users
simultaneously.
.
5. Data Retrieval

sing file management system means that it will be very easy to retrieve
data. File management system follows a digital approach that provides
access to required data within few minutes. Users
U don't need to search copies of documents manually here. Thus, there is
very less amount of time spent for data retrieval.

6. Data Backup

In case of a failure, file management system provides a seamless way for

backing up data. For this purpose, computers on default offer
functionalities. However, if needed there can be also third party
application programs be used.

7. Environment Friendly

Due to the fact that file management system follows a digital system and
there is no paper works involved, it can be said that this technique is more
environment friendly.
By green practices, not only the cost of an organization is reduced, it can
increase the overall image of a company. As a result, it can provide tax
benefits and other advertising opportunities as well.
Disadvantages of File Management System

1. Redundancy

Redundancy is a kind of duplication that occurs if the same type of

information exists in different locations. In this event, there is a possibility
of memory wastage to take place resulting in higher storage costs.
2. Inconsistency
Due to the effect of data redundancy this often leads to data
inconsistency. Which means that the same copies of data located in
different places contain different values. For preventing this, there should
be paper listing among different files.

3. Accessibility
Accessing data in file management system is not an easy process. It is not
convenient as it should be. Whenever a user needs to access an
information using different approaches, they must execute a special
program.

4. Integrity

The data that is present on a file management system can get integrated.
Meaning it is not correct and consistent. Most often this is caused in the
presence of consistency constraints. Constraints are imposed by the
programmers using programming codes. If the integrity continues, it can
make the process of adding new constraints to be difficult.

5. Atomicity

Atomicity refers to the data that is incomplete. This often happens if the
data is either completely entered or not entered at all. For an example,
your system could fail in the middle of a transaction leading to data
atomicity. Unlike in database management system, it is difficult to ensure
atomicity in file management system.
FAT16:-
As a 16-bit file system, FAT16 can map a maximum of 65,526 clusters.
Like most Windows file systems, FAT16 supports a variety of cluster sizes,
allowing it to be used on hard disks that are as small as 16 MB or as large
as 2 GB. A later revision to the file system allowed it to support volumes
up to 4 Gg.The term 'FAT' stands for 'File Allocation Table.' It is a static
allocation system, which means that it stores files in a fixed location in the
form of clusters. Each cluster has a defined size and definite information in
the table, which includes the address and a marker that indicates the end
of the file. The table also contains information regarding unused disk space
or specially reserved areas on the disk so that further data is stored
efficiently. The first FAT file system was FAT8, which was succeed.

FAT32:-

FAT32 is a disk format or filing system used to organise the files stored on
a disk drive. The disk drive is marked up into addressable chunks called
sectors and a “File Allocation Table” or FAT is created at the start of the
drive so that each piece of information in the file can be found by the host
computer.

NTFS:-
NTFS, which stands for NT file system and the New Technology File
System, is the file system that the Windows NT operating system (OS)
uses for storing and retrieving files on hard disk drives (HDDs) and solid-
state drives (SSDs).

UNIX FILE SYSTEM:-

Unix file system is a logical method of organizing and storing large
amounts of information in a way that makes it easy to manage. A file is a
smallest unit in which the information is stored. Unix file system has
several important features. All data in Unix is organized into files. All files
are organized into directories. These directories are organized into a
tree-like structure called the file system. Files in Unix System are
organized into multi-level hierarchy structure known as a directory tree.
At the very top of the file system is a directory called “root” which is
represented by a “/”. All other files are “descendants” of root.

EXT2:-

The Ext2 is defined as a second extended file system. It was introduced in

1993, and it is the first commercial file system designed to overcome the
limitation of the Ext file system. Ext2 does not have a journaling feature,
and it is recommended for flash drives and USB. The individual file size
that Ext2 supports is 2TB and can be from 4TB to 32 TB depending upon
block size.

Ext2 is a basic and portable file system. This file system is suitable for flash-based
storage devices such as SD card and USBs as it does not do the overhead of
journaling that minimizes the number of writers and improve performance.

EXT3:-

Ext3 refers to the third extended file system. This file journaling system is
used on multiple Linux distributions. It can track all the changes made
with Ext3 to improve reliability and reduce possible file system corruption.
In addition, it allows you to upgrade from Ext2 without the need to back
up and restore data.

Ext2 and Ext3 use e2fsporgs as a standard utility. It makes the

conversation between both the file systems easier and smooth. Ext3 is
designed with new features such as journal, online file system growth, and
HTree indexing large directories. Ext3 used less CPU power as compared

to other Linux file systems. It is relatively safer and can easily recover
data.

RAID:-

RAID (redundant array of independent disks) is a way of storing the same

data in different places on multiple hard disks or solid-state drives (SSDs)
to protect data in the case of a drive failure.