File Structures

Computer Science 200 – TME/Unit 2  - Chapter 10: File Structures – Internet Research #6

How does NTFS organize a hard drive?

According to Anderson et al. (2011) “New Technology Filing System (NTFS) is the default file system on current Windows operating systems and uses a Master File Table (MFT) to keep track of files and directories on a volume.”

Source: http://www.ntfs.com/ntfs-mft.htm

NTFS is a journaling file system and uses a log to record metadata changes to the volume.

One of the critical advantages of NTFS over File Allocation Table (FAT) is ensuring that its internal complex data structures, data moves and indices will remain consistent in case of system crashes or power failures.

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References:

1. Anderson, G., Ferro, D., & Hilton, R. (2011). Connecting with Computer Science (2nd ed.). Boston, MA: Course Technology, Cengage Learning.
2. http://www.techopedia.com/definition/24482/new-technology-file-system-ntfs
3. http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-ca/library/windows/desktop/aa365230(v=vs.85).aspx
4. http://www.ntfs.com/ntfs-mft.htm
5. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NTFS