is it better for my pc if i run hdd as fat32 or ntfs- trying to maximize hd capability-mt maxtor hd is rated?

Question

up to 11.5is gig but available space after format w/fat is 3.1-is ntfs better? somone told me not to use that one,but they've been wrong before.no cash for upgrades, need cheap way out if possible-winxp2001,award bios 501mhz processor (i know, old) 184mb ram-- lol- ty

Answer 1

NTFS is best.

Answer 2

Hi.

NTFS is faster and more secure. I believe the earlier concerns about NTFS were interoperability. NTFS is secure. If you lose your login and etc, you cannot easily recover your data from the harddrive. That is the MAIN drawback of NTFS. But learn more see:
http://cquirke.mvps.org/ntfs.htm

"Executive summary

NTFS is a better file system, but the available maintenance tools and options suck.

Either choice, you will win some and lose some.

Detail

FATxx is an old file system that is simple, well-documented, readable from a large number of OSs, and supported by a wide range of tools.

NTFS is a newer file system that is feature-rich, proprietary, undocumented at the raw bytes level, and subject to change - even within Service Packs of the same OS version.

Keeping NTFS proprietary allows Microsoft to root NT's security features deep within the file system itself, but it does cast doubts about the reliability and version-compatibility of third-party support. Without an official maintenance OS from Microsoft, one is forced to look to 3rd-party solutions, and the high stakes involved make FUD about accuracy of NTFS support a serious issue.

You are obliged to use FATxx if you need access from DOS mode or Win9x, e.g. in a dual-boot scenario.

You are obliged to use NTFS if you need support for files over 4G in size, hard drives over 137G in size, and/or you need to implement some of NT's security management that devolves down to NTFS.

Else, weigh up the pros and cons, and remember you can use multiple volumes, with different file systems for each. Even FAT16 has niche strengths (small FAT, large cluster size, easier data recovery) that may make it attractive for certain types of content."

-Leon S

Answer 3

Assuming your operating system can handle ntfs (Windows 2000, XP, NT or better), you're almost always going to be better off with it.
Fat 32 is an older, less secure, less reliable structure. All modern Windows networks, servers, etc. run ntfs. Clearly the best choice, hands down.

Answer 4

NTFS all the way. You really need to boost up that RAM though. I hope you can install more RAM.
NTFS is more secure and reliable than FAT32.