In this Essay I will be discussing
Microsoft’s Windows 8.1 operating systems newest file system ReFS and why I
chose to discuss it, as well as the necessary administrative steps to prepare a
storage device for access.
Before
discussing ReFS I would like to create an understanding of what a file systems
is. To describe a file system in the simplest terms; it is the structured
manner in which files are to be labeled and stored. This makes it critical
components to an operating system because without File systems the Data would
be much like a warehouse full of unmarked crates. The information would be
there; yet there would be no way to know where it was put upon arrival, or
which crate was which.
I chose to
discuss the ReFS not only because it is the latest technology but also because
of the fact that Microsoft has not released a new file system since 1993 making
this new file system not only a much needed update but a milestone for Microsoft.
Resilient File System (ReFS) was aptly named this because of Microsoft’s focus
on improved reliability during normal occurring events such as hard disk
deterioration as well as unexpected power loss.
To achieve this
Microsoft built the REFS on the foundation of the old NTFS so that
compatibility would not be an issue but then completely changed the system
architecture as well as added new features to safeguard where and how metadata
is stored. With ReFS Microsoft utilized the B+tree model to organize the files
allowing for a more simple system which in turn results in less code and faster
indexing.
As previously
mentioned Microsoft coupled this new system architecture with new features
involving metadata storage, an example of which is their Copy-On-Write (coW)
feature that ensures no metadata is modified without being duplicated, this
results in better chances for recovery by way of having multiple metadata for
files stored in multiple areas.
Next I will
describe the necessary steps and tools to prepare a new storage device for
normal application. To do this you will need to ensure you are logged in as an
administrator.
1. Use the Windows + X
keys followed by the K key to open Disk Manger System Tool.
2. Upon opening the Disk
Manager Window you will be promoted to initialize the Disk. *Be sure that the appropriate disk is
checked and that the partition style selected is MBR.
3. Right Click the new disk and select
New Simple Volume.
4. Follow the prompt and designate the
appropriate properties to the volume option.
5. Assign the appropriate Drive Letter.
6. Assign the appropriate
format of file system (NTFS is the most widely used File System)
7. Assign a Volume Label for the drive.
References
Jonathan A. (2012). Introducing Windows New File System:
ReFS. InfoQ. Retrieved
Steven, S. (2012). Building the next generation file system
for Windows: ReFS. Building Windows 8.
Retrieved
Understanding File Systems. (n.d.). UFS Explorer. Retrieved
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