maintenance

FAT = File Allocation Table, which is how the hard disk is structured for the Operating system to use.

FAT 16 is the standard left over from DOS days. Main problem is it can't see partitions larger than 2 GB and has no security. Fat 32 was the solution to the first problem, it came out with Windows 98. NTFS was the Windows NT solution to the security problem - it allows partitions to be locked or hidden from non-authorized users.

Thats a pretty high level explanation - is that what you need?

James

FAT: File Allocation Table.
FAT16: is a file Allocation Table that will allow only partitions up to 2Gybtes.
FAT32: Is a File Allocation Table that will allow you to use hard disk biggers that 2 Gbytes in one partition.
NFTS: Windows NT File System Partition, this kind of partition will also provide you security levels within your System.

For more detail information check:
FAT:
http://searchwin2000.techtarget.com/sDefinition/0,,sid1_gci213956,00.html

NTFS: http://searchwin2000.techtarget.com/sDefinition/0,,sid1_gci212675,00.html

(remember no spaces on the URL)

Good luck,
@lberto

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