A file system is how data is stored and accessed on a computer using an operating system. Different types of file systems exist, with hierarchical systems being the most common. Windows uses a hierarchical system with drives and directories for organization.
A file system is a way in which files are stored, accessed, overwritten and deleted on a media format using a computer and the operating system (OS) installed on that computer. Different types of operating systems usually have different file systems, although they are often somewhat similar in design and in how files are accessed by the operating system. There are, typically, several file system types that have been designed and implemented, with new types created and used by newer operating system versions. A file system is, at its most basic level, how data is stored in individual files on a computer hard drive or other medium, and how that data is accessed again in the future.
Also called a “file system,” a file system is one of the most fundamental aspects of a computer operating system, and many early types of operating systems were designed specifically to serve as file systems. A computer user will typically work on a computer to create, alter, save and delete a variety of files for different purposes. For this process to be as simple and powerful as possible, the file system in an operating system must be able to handle a number of different options for a computer user.
One of the most basic types of file systems is a flat system that basically exists as a single level of files that a user can access. This creates a large desktop-like system on which all files can be placed, but not stacked. Imagining this kind of system, it’s easy to see that two or three files would be easy to see and organize; hundreds or thousands of files, however, would quickly become overwhelming. This is why hierarchical file systems have been developed that place files in multiple levels or within directories and folders for easier organization and navigation.
The file system used by Windows®, for example, uses a hierarchical system that starts with a drive or partition designation and creates various directories and subdirectories for storing files. This can be seen by a Windows® user starting a file search with a drive or partition designated by a letter, usually the “C:” drive for the primary boot drive. From this basic level, the user can then browse a number of different folders which act as directories for multiple folders and files. This type of file system allows a computer user to organize their files, allowing files to be grouped together in a way that is easier to recall and use as needed.
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