Organising storage.
WHAT A FILE SYSTEM DOES
Records where each file's data physically resides Organises files into directories
Stores metadata: name, size, dates, permissions
WHAT DELETION ACTUALLY DOES
Removes the reference, and marks the space available.
The data remains until overwritten.
WHY THAT MATTERS
Deleted files are frequently recoverable, and disposal requires more than deletion.
WHAT FORMATTING DOES
Creates a new file system, discarding the old references.
The data still largely remains.
WHAT FRAGMENTATION IS
A file stored in pieces across a drive.
WHY IT MATTERED
On mechanical drives, it required more seeking and slowed access.
WHY IT MATTERS LESS NOW
Solid-state drives have no seek time, and should not be defragmented.
WHAT COMMON FILE SYSTEMS EXIST
Different systems use different ones, with different capabilities and limits.
WHAT THAT AFFECTS
Maximum file size Compatibility between systems Permission support Journaling, which protects against corruption
WHAT TO CHECK WHEN A LARGE FILE WILL NOT COPY
The file system of the destination, which may impose a size limit.
