Explain the difference between fixed and removable disk drives

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1. Explain the difference between fixed and removable disk drives, and give at least one example of each.

 

2. Explain the Master File Table (MFT) and its contents.

The correct answer and explanation is:

1. Difference Between Fixed and Removable Disk Drives

Fixed Disk Drives: These are non-removable storage devices that are installed permanently within a computer system or a server. They are designed to store data persistently and are typically accessed by the operating system for storing applications, user files, and system data. Examples include traditional hard disk drives (HDDs) and solid-state drives (SSDs). These drives are not meant to be removed easily or used interchangeably between systems.

  • Example: Internal Hard Disk Drive (HDD) or Solid-State Drive (SSD).

Removable Disk Drives: These are storage devices designed for portability and easy removal from a computer system. They are used for transferring files, backing up data, or expanding storage. Examples include USB flash drives, external hard drives, SD cards, and optical discs like CDs or DVDs.

  • Example: USB Flash Drive or SD Card.

Key Difference:

  • Fixed drives are installed inside the system and are not portable.
  • Removable drives are portable and can be connected or disconnected as needed.

2. Master File Table (MFT) and Its Contents

The Master File Table (MFT) is a critical component of the NTFS (New Technology File System) used by Windows operating systems. The MFT acts as a central database that stores information about every file and directory on an NTFS-formatted volume. It is an essential part of file system management, enabling the OS to locate and access files quickly.

Contents of the MFT:

  1. File Metadata: Stores file attributes such as name, size, creation date, modification date, and access permissions.
  2. File Location: Contains pointers to the actual physical location of file data on the disk.
  3. Directory Structure: Maintains the hierarchy and relationships of directories and subdirectories.
  4. File Records: Each file or directory is represented as a record in the MFT, which includes information about its data clusters and extent.

The MFT itself is stored on the disk, and the first entries in the table are reserved for system files that manage the file system structure, including the MFT itself, the MFT mirror, and the log file.

Importance: The MFT ensures efficient file retrieval and management by providing an indexed structure that avoids the need for the OS to scan the entire disk to locate files. It also allows for advanced features like file compression, encryption, and permissions. Corruption of the MFT can lead to data loss, making it vital to maintain backups and a healthy disk state.

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