Week 6: File Systems

File systems were discussed in class this week.  This topic was introduced with Operating Systems I but has been expanded upon in this course.  Understanding the basics about file systems and disk architecture is very important for any Information Technologist.  Organizing and protecting a corporation's data is critical for the operation and survival of that corporation.  With this being said, I did learn quite a few new things about file systems this week.  For instance, I am familiar with many of the file systems available for the Windows platform.  However, this week we explored as a class several of the file system formats available for other operating systems including Linux and OS X.  We also discussed several of the graphical user interface tools available within these operating systems that assist users with file location and organization.  I learned more details about disk organization and architecture as well as several methods used for maintaining data disks.  Several of the new capabilities available with the Windows New Technology File System (NTFS) were discussed which include Windows Ready-Boast, Bit-Locker Drive Encryption, Encrypting File System, Symbolic Links, and Quotas.  These features offer many useful functions especially for enterprise corporations.  Finally, I learned about many of the file system maintenance tools available from Microsoft to help maintain and ensure the integrity of the file system.

This week I did not have much trouble with the material presented.  Like I mentioned before, this topic was introduced in Operating Systems I and was expanded upon in this course.  However, there was some very valuable new information presented in this week's material.  Some of the topics discussed were a little difficult to understand at first, but the in-class work and presentation helped clear up a lot of the confusion.

Data is one of an enterprise corporation's most valuable assets.  Without the assistance of collected data, many corporations struggle to survive in the cut-throat economy which we experience today.  Every year, companies invest vast amounts of their available resources towards data collection, protection, organization, and maintenance.  As an Information Technologist, it is very important for me to understand file systems and their functions as to be able to fulfill the data needs of my employer.  With this knowledge, I can help be viewed as a very valuable employee who is protecting the assets of the company.  I can also use this information to help protect and organize the data on my own personal computers.