skrárkerfi

A skrárkerfi, or file system, is the method and data structure that an operating system uses to control how data is stored and retrieved. It dictates how files are named, organized, and managed on storage devices such as hard drives, solid-state drives, and flash drives. Without a file system, data placed on a storage medium would be one large body of data with no way to tell where one piece of information stops and the next begins.

File systems manage the allocation of disk space, keeping track of which blocks of data belong to which files and which blocks are free. They also handle metadata for each file, which includes information like the file name, size, creation date, modification date, and access permissions. This metadata is crucial for the operating system to present the file to users and applications in a meaningful way.

Common examples of file systems include FAT32, NTFS, exFAT, HFS+, APFS, and ext4. Each has its own strengths and weaknesses regarding performance, capacity, security, and compatibility with different operating systems. The choice of file system can significantly impact the overall efficiency and functionality of a storage device. File systems are a fundamental component of any computer system, enabling the organization and access to all digital information.