File Systems

Windows XP Professional supports the FAT16, FAT32, and NTFS file systems. Table 3-2 describes the sizes and limitations of each file system. Because NTFS has all the basic capabilities of FAT16 and FAT32, with the added advantage of advanced storage features such as compression, improved security, and larger partitions and file sizes, it is the recommended file system for Windows XP Professional. Some features that are available when you choose NTFS include the following:

  • File encryption allows you to protect files and folders from unauthorized access.

  • Permissions can be set on individual files, as well as on folders.

  • Disk quotas allow you to monitor and control the amount of disk space used by individual users.

  • Better scalability allows ...

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