It would seem that the only reason any FAT is given its respective name is because of the number of bits it enables, i.e. FAT16 has 16 bits, FAT32 has 32 bits, e.t.c. Notwithstanding the extra security, file protection, e.t.c., NTFS itself has 64 bits. So why not just call it FAT64? Or is the very reason it is it given a different name because it offers features that were not offered with FAT?
2007-02-02 05:46:38 · 3 answers · asked by Anonymous in Computers & Internet ➔ Other - Computers
NTFS is a fundamentally different file system from the old FAT style file systems.
FAT is thusly named because it uses what is called a File Allocation Table, which is essentially a flat reference grid. NTFS uses "metadata" in more of a database format, which allows for faster file access and less chance of index corruption.
NTFS is much more effective at managing larger disk sizes (>200MB) , whereas FAT is better suited to small disks (<200MB). Since disks small enough for FAT to be effective on are essentially worthless today, NTFS is the superior format.
NTFS also performs journaling which further protects the data as well as it maintains a backup of its file index.
There are a number of other differences, but it is well documented on the internet.
2007-02-02 05:56:03 · answer #1 · answered by Amanda H 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
FAT is the old version and stands for File Allocation Table.
NTFS is the new way of formatting the hard drive and stands for New Technology File System which is completely different. One of the ways is it is different is that you can set file level security in NTFS and you can't in FAT.
2007-02-02 05:54:01 · answer #2 · answered by a1222256 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋
That would be your answer right there. "Or is the very reason it is it given a different name because it offers features that were not offered with FAT?", be more confident in yourself
2007-02-02 05:54:00 · answer #3 · answered by ehottdotcom 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋