Glossary of Terms

File System Management

Keyword Definition
Cluster A group of sectors on a disk that are used to store data.
Compression The technique of reducing the size of data to save storage space and enable faster data transmission.
Data Integrity The assurance that data is accurate, complete, and uncorrupted.
Defragmentation The process of reorganizing data on a disk to consolidate fragmented files and improve system performance.
Directory A logical container used to organize files and other directories within a file system.
Directory Tree A hierarchical structure of directories that shows the organization of files on a computer system.
Disk Fragmentation The phenomenon where files are stored in non-contiguous blocks on a storage medium.
Disk Optimization The process of organizing and optimizing data on a disk for better performance.
Disk Quota Limits set on the amount of storage space a user or group can utilize within a file system.
Drive Letter A unique letter assigned to each partition on a storage device to identify it in the file system.
File A collection of data or information that is stored on a storage device and can be accessed by a computer program.
File Allocation Table (FAT) A file system structure used on storage devices to manage and locate files.
File Compression The process of reducing the size of a file to save storage space.
File Extension A set of characters added to the end of a file name to indicate the file type or format.
File Permissions Rules that determine who can access, modify, and delete files within a file system.
File System A structure used to store and organize files on a storage device such as a HDD.
File System Management The process of organizing and controlling the files stored on a storage medium.
Folder A container used to organize files and other folders on a computer system.
Fragment A portion of a file that is scattered across different locations on a disk.
Logical Partition A section of a storage device that is created within an extended partition.
Lossless Compression A compression technique that reduces the size of data without losing any information.
Master Boot Record A special type of boot sector at the beginning of a storage device that contains the partition table.
Mounting The process of making a storage device or network share accessible within a file system.
Parent Directory A directory that is one level up in the hierarchy from the current directory.
Partitioning The division of a storage device into multiple sections to improve performance or organization.
Path The Location of a file or directory within a file system.
Root Directory The top-level directory in a file system.
Subdirectory A directory that is located within another directory.