skráarkerfis

Skráarkerfis is an Icelandic term that translates to "file system" in English. It refers to the method and data structure that an operating system uses to control how data is stored and retrieved. In essence, a file system is the organizational structure that allows a computer to manage files and directories on a storage device, such as a hard drive, SSD, or USB drive.

The primary function of a file system is to provide a way to name, store, organize, and locate files. It defines how data is broken down into blocks or clusters, how these blocks are allocated to files, and how the file system keeps track of which blocks belong to which file. It also manages metadata associated with files, such as their names, sizes, creation dates, and permissions.

Different types of file systems exist, each with its own characteristics and advantages. Common examples include FAT (File Allocation Table) for older systems and smaller removable media, NTFS (New Technology File System) used by Windows, HFS+ and APFS (Apple File System) for macOS, and ext4 (Fourth Extended File System) for Linux. The choice of file system can impact performance, security, and compatibility with different operating systems.

When a file is created or modified, the file system updates its internal records to reflect these changes. This allows the operating system and applications to access the correct data when needed. Without a file system, data on a storage device would be a jumbled collection of raw bits, making it impossible to identify or retrieve individual files.