• File Allocation Table or FAT ---> is a computer file system architecture now widely used on most computer systems and most memory cards, such as those used with digital cameras.

ADVANTAGES OF FAT

FAT was the primary file system used in all of Microsoft's consumer operating systems from MS-DOS through Windows ME. The New Technology File System (NTFS) is the primary file system on Microsoft's newer operating systems but FAT is still a supported option.

DISADVANTAGES OF FAT

The FAT file system protects files by storing two copies of the file allocation table on the FAT volume. In cases where one copy of the file allocation table is corrupt, the other copy of the file allocation table is utilized. The file allocation table's location is specified in the BIOS Parameter Block (BPB) of the FAT boot sector. It is also stored on the volume in a specified byte offset. This ensures that any files
necessary to start the system can be found.
The initial FAT file system could only support a maximum partition size of 2GB. What this meant was that where a computer's hard disk drive was greater than 2GB, you had to partition the drive into a number of smaller partitions, with each partition size not exceeding 2GB.

• NTFS ---> is the standard file system of Windows NT, including its later versions Windows 2000, Windows XP, Windows Server 2003,Windows Server 2008 , Windows Vista, and Windows 7.

ADVANTAGES OF NTFS

NTFS is a recoverable file system. A user seldom needs to run a disk repair program on an NTFS volume. NTFS guarantees the consistency of the volume by using standard transaction logging and recovery techniques. In the event of a system failure, NTFS uses its log file and checkpoint information to automatically restore the consistency of the file system.

• NTFS supports all Windows 2000 file system features.
• NTFS does not restrict the number of entries in the root folder.
• Windows 2000 can format volumes up to 2 terabytes with NTFS.
• NTFS minimizes the number of disk accesses required to find a file.

• NTFS uses a change journal to track changes made to files.

DIS ADVANTAGES OF NTFS

While NTFS is recommended for most Windows 2000 users, it is not appropriate in all circumstances. Disadvantages of NTFS include:

• NTFS volumes are not accessible from MS-DOS, Windows 95, or Windows 98. The advanced features of the version of NTFS included with Windows 2000 are not available in Windows NT.

• For very small volumes that contain mostly small files, the overhead of managing NTFS can cause a slight performance drop in comparison to FAT.

there are 2 drawbacks for NTFS. Old software might not run on NTFS properly. Secondly, if you're going to run an earlier version of Windows along with Windows XP, you'll need to have a FAT or FAT32 as the start-up partition.

• NTFS provides optimum security and reliability through its ability to lock down individual files and folders on a user-by-user basis. Advanced features such as disk compression, disk quotas and encryption make it the file system recommended by 9 out of 10 MCSEs.

• Microsoft certified system engineer(MCSE) ---> credential shows clients and employers that you can design, implement and administered, infrastructures for business solution based on Microsoft 2000 Windows Server and other Windows server platforms. Implementation responsibilities include installing, configuring, and troubleshooting network systems.

• FAT and FAT32 are only used for dual-booting between Windows XP and another operating system (like DOS 6.22, Win 3.1 or Win 95/98).

• Existing NT 4.0 NTFS system partitions will be upgraded to Windows XP NTFS automatically. If you wish to dual-boot between NT4.0, Windows 2000, or Windows XP you must first install Service Pack 4 on the NT4.0 machine. This will allow it to read the upgraded NTFS partitions, but advanced features such as EFS and Disk Quotas will be disabled.

• Use convert.exe to convert a FAT or FAT32 file system to NTFS. NTFS partitions cannot be converted to FAT or FAT32 - the partition must be deleted and recreated as FAT or FAT32.