FAT1, FAT32 and NTFS

Category: Geeks r Us

Post 1 by Eleni21 (I have proven to myself and the world that I need mental help) on Friday, 26-Feb-2010 19:51:26

What is the difference, in usage, between FAT16, FAT32 and NTFS? I've often seen these terms used and how certain things will only work with 16-bit or 32-bit systems etc. So what does all that mean in terms of usability? Why is 32-bit better than 16?

Post 2 by Eleni21 (I have proven to myself and the world that I need mental help) on Friday, 26-Feb-2010 19:52:23

Stupid Mac. I didn't see that mistake in the title until I posted.

Post 3 by Nick6489 (11 years a Zoner) on Friday, 26-Feb-2010 20:55:55

Asking why something will work better in the 32 bit world versus the 16 bit world is like asking "why does time move forward?" And that's the answer of why you should always stick to Fat32 at least.

Post 4 by Eleni21 (I have proven to myself and the world that I need mental help) on Friday, 26-Feb-2010 21:17:45

I'll try to do so if the os can handle it. Enhanced DR-DOS can xand so can another one, Rom DOS, that I just heard about today. But the Microsoft variety, and possibly FreeDOS are out for that.

Post 5 by Jesse (Hmm!) on Friday, 26-Feb-2010 21:28:57

As for bits and such, Fat32 can handle larger drive partitions, up to 32GB in size. There is a newer version of Fat, which can handle bigger drives, and the Mac will let you format it as such, but Windows and Dos can't be installed onto it, I don't think. As for NTFS, it stands for NT File System, and has everything to do with security, setting data permissions, and can work with huge amounts of space on a drive. Also, the way it organizes data is far superior, fragmenting the disk a whole lot less. There are other gems with NTFS as well, probably more technical than you want to get here, but it is more like the Mac's extended journaled file system than anything else.

Post 6 by Eleni21 (I have proven to myself and the world that I need mental help) on Friday, 26-Feb-2010 21:37:03

I don't know anything about the Mac's system, since I just use it and have enough problems with it as it is. *sigh* Never knew there was another version of FAT out there but I'm not surprised. As you said, it probably won't work with even the newer versions of DOS. For me, 32gb is quite enough to do what I need. Thanks for answering, though, as I was honestly curious. Would it also affect sound quality? I've heard of 16 and 32-bit sound cards too and do understand kbps cause StepVoice Recorder and other products that I've seen for XP have adjustable levels.

Post 7 by malthe (Pimply-Faced Youth) on Friday, 26-Feb-2010 21:43:30

file systems has nothing to do with sound quality.

Post 8 by margorp (I've got the gold prolific poster award, now is there a gold cup for me?) on Friday, 26-Feb-2010 23:01:24

Yeah, besides why would you want to use anything other than 32 bit? I don't understand.

Post 9 by Eleni21 (I have proven to myself and the world that I need mental help) on Friday, 26-Feb-2010 23:04:18

I don't think I need to, as I said, but incase I do, it's good to know the differences.

Post 10 by blindndangerous (the blind and dangerous one) on Saturday, 27-Feb-2010 22:34:30

You know, before posting threads, why not use this wonderful thing I just found today called google? I swear, its awesome and will solve all your queries, or most of them anyway. I'm running a 64-bit system on a NTFS formatted drive, and love it.

Post 11 by Eleni21 (I have proven to myself and the world that I need mental help) on Saturday, 27-Feb-2010 22:58:33

Oh, you see, I just started using the ennernet? is that the word? yesterday. And I've never heard of this wonderful thing. If you can't or don't want to answer the question then shut the hell up and let someone else do it. It was a simple question and I was looking for a simple answer. Many times, looking up technical things will give you either very technical answers or things that you're not seeking.

Post 12 by Eleni21 (I have proven to myself and the world that I need mental help) on Saturday, 27-Feb-2010 22:59:05

Ah, got it. The word is internet.

Post 13 by margorp (I've got the gold prolific poster award, now is there a gold cup for me?) on Saturday, 27-Feb-2010 23:33:39

Okay folks let's keep this civilized.

Post 14 by Eleni21 (I have proven to myself and the world that I need mental help) on Sunday, 28-Feb-2010 0:33:05

Good advice. For my part, I wish to appologise. I just got annoyed at that comment.

Post 15 by malthe (Pimply-Faced Youth) on Sunday, 28-Feb-2010 8:27:14

Google will solve your problems if you pray to it devoutly
the church of google!

Post 16 by margorp (I've got the gold prolific poster award, now is there a gold cup for me?) on Sunday, 28-Feb-2010 14:02:48

oh my!

Post 17 by Eleni21 (I have proven to myself and the world that I need mental help) on Sunday, 28-Feb-2010 17:36:08

hahahaha Too monotheistic for me.

Post 18 by margorp (I've got the gold prolific poster award, now is there a gold cup for me?) on Sunday, 28-Feb-2010 22:50:08

right what she said.

Post 19 by blindndangerous (the blind and dangerous one) on Sunday, 28-Feb-2010 23:40:44

That's great.