Describe the file storage system on the disk. Organization of the file system

If you are looking for information on "Describe the file storage system on the disk," then you are on the right track! Any data that is on the computer must be available for later use. But how is this mechanism implemented? Is it complicated or not?

What is a file storage system

Under the file storage system is understood a software and hardware solution aimed at ensuring the safe storage of all information located. They can act as the main or additional part of the data processing center. That's how you can answer if you get the task: "Describe the file storage system on the disk." In addition to a short saying, there are even more difficult moments: protocols, types, technologies.

Protocols

As a protocol for storing and transferring data, a number of developments are used. Some in limited numbers, others are quite popular. At the moment, iSCSI is being actively implemented, so the story of the protocols will be based on its example. This technology is aimed at working through the usual network infrastructure. Allows you to connect storage devices to workstations or servers for later use in a way that they are part of a computer. The advantages of such a protocol can be said:

1. His work is cheap, if not free (conditionally).
2. The software module of this protocol can work with all popular operating systems. In some, it is installed by default, in others it can be downloaded and added to the list of computer protocols.
3. Operation is possible immediately after the mounting process is completed.
4. Since this protocol uses an Internet address, it can transmit data to any place on the planet where there is coverage.

He has not only advantages, but also shortcomings. In general, it has only one significant drawback: a link to the Internet address and the inability to function properly without it.

Types of systems

In today's world, 4 filesystems are used depending on the needs:

1. DAS. It means disks directly connected to the computer system. Everything that is directly connected to the computer used, uses this system.
2. NAS. This system is familiar to fans of local networks. It provides access to internal files and documents only to devices that have been identified as "their own".
3. SAN. From the user's point of view, you can describe this system as a local disk, to which the connection is made from the network when using remote access protocols to files.
4. CAS. This is a storage architecture in which an important role is played by the image of the stored data. It is hashed and is used to find information in the storage system or individual devices. In fact, this architecture can be compared to a special database, in which the calculated hash is a tool for quick search in content. This system can be easily decentralized, which significantly increases the durability and reliability. But the shortcomings include a small speed of interaction, which does not allow it to be widely used. Now this architecture is used as a repository for archival data, or those that should be long-term.

Technologies used for data storage

Within the systems, there are many approaches to data storage that allow you to optimize the use of the disk and insure yourself in case of unforeseen situations:

1. Backup. It is a proactive creation of copies of information that can be deleted and which may be needed again. An important role is played by the file size. With full backup affects the entire system and files. When incremental copying, only the part is saved. The choice of search is carried out by those that have changed since the last reservation. Usually, the stored data has a disk C or a storage specially created for this purpose.
2. Replication. It is synchronous and asynchronous. The first one is the placement of data that resides in different storage systems (although there may be two disks in one system). At the same time, information is recorded simultaneously. Asynchronous replication is a record of data that is not carried out at the same time, but at a convenient opportunity. This approach allows you to overcome the difference in speeds, but the data will never be completely identical. Although they will strive for this. As an attempt to merge, a half-synchronous replication technology was created. Its essence lies in the fact that the recording starts simultaneously, but the transmission channels are used at full capacity. And if somewhere the process ends, then in the other it continues to completion. At the same time, the data varies by a minimum.
3. Deduplication. A special method that when compressing an array of data excludes duplicate copies of all duplicate files. A particularly important method when the size of the copy file and their number are very high. Used to optimize the used location.

But this is still not the full answer to the problem "describe the system of storing files on the disk". For a full trial it is necessary to consider more memory.

Permanent memory

It is understood as the storage of data that should not depend on the power supply of the system. It is also called nonvolatile memory. This sector allocates disk space for storing file names. This is necessary to search for stored information. Also here all the "permanent" information that is retrieved by the user is stored. Examples of data include work files, games, saved documents, folders. The information placed in it can be extracted even after decades from the moment of recording and stopping the supply of electricity. An example is the C drive on which the operating system files are located. After all, how would it be if they were worn out? Could I start the computer? Without additional manipulation - no!

RAM

There is operative, or volatile memory. Its feature is that you need a constant supply of electricity. Simultaneously, its size indicates the ability of the computer to engage in a certain number of actions, and, in fact, its power depends on it. It is she who is responsible for disks, folders, files and documents, which are now active and working. It should be noted that the software increase in RAM without improving the hardware of the computer in most cases is fraught with violations of the entire system (not only data storage).

Cache memory

Also called quick access memory. It contains information, the most likely challenge. The peculiarity is that both the constant and the cache memory contain the same data. But in view of the fact that the second is faster, search is first performed on it. If no matches were found, then the computer will search already in permanent memory. If any matches are found in the cache, the changes will be made first here. And then, if possible, into permanent memory. The common drawback of the cache is its relatively small size. The storage of files on the computer's disks is limited by the hardware component for all types of memory. Therefore, if you want to change the size, you need to install something better and simultaneously compatible with other systems.

Conclusion

As you can see, the data storage system is a rather complicated mechanism. It includes various protocols (of which only one was considered in view of the vast array of information), different types, organizational approaches and technologies, and memory. Now we can say that the answer to the request "describe the system of storing files on disk" is given.