Ch 3 Disks and Formatting - Skagit Valley College



Chapter 3

Disks and Formatting

LEARNING OBJECTIVES

1. Explain the need for formatting disks.

2. Describe the structure of a disk.

3. Name and explain the purpose of each section of a disk.

4. Define formatting.

5. Explain the difference between internal and external commands.

6. List and explain the steps in formatting a floppy disk.

7. Explain the purpose and function of the /Q and other parameters used with the FORMAT command.

STUDENT OUTCOMES

1. Format a floppy disk.

2. Use the LABEL command to change the volume label on a disk.

3. View the current volume label using the VOL command.

4. Use /Q parameter to format a disk.

CHAPTER SUMMARY

1. Floppy disks that are purchased are sometimes not ready to use. They must first be prepared for use.

2. Each type of computer has its own specific way of recording information on a disk. This text is only concerned with Windows-based computers.

3. Disks are the means to store data and programs permanently.

4. All disks must be formatted by a utility program stored as a file called so that data and programs can be read from and written to them.

5. Disks that have information on them can be formatted again.

6. If a disk has files on it, formatting the disk will remove all of those files.

7. Since the FORMAT command removes all data, formatting a hard disk can be dangerous.

8. Formatting a disk means that the physical layout of the disk is defined to determine how the information is stored on the disk so that the OS can locate what is stored.

9. Each operating system has a unique way of recording information on a disk. This is known as a file system.

10. The OS uses sections of a disk, whether it is a hard disk or a floppy disk. A disk is divided into concentric circles called tracks. Each track is divided into sectors. The number of tracks, sectors, and sides of a disk determine the capacity of the disk.

11. The two major types of file systems that Windows XP Professional supports are FAT and NTFS.

12. All floppy disks are formatted as FAT disks.

13. The smallest unit that the operating system will read from or write to is a cluster. A cluster is made up of one or more adjacent sectors, depending on the type of disk.

14. Each disk that is formatted with FAT has a root directory and two copies of a file allocation table (FAT).

15. All disks that are formatted with FAT have a boot record, a FAT, a directory, and data sectors.

16. All FAT-formatted disks use the file allocation table. The FAT (file allocation table) is a map of every track and sector on the disk. The FAT tells the OS where files are on the disk. The FAT links a file together by pointing to the next cluster that holds the file’s data.

17. On a FAT-formatted disk, the root directory has information about files including the file name and the file’s starting cluster entry in the FAT.

18. The data sectors are where files are actually stored.

19. Files are chains of bytes laid out in sequence.

20. NTFS is the preferred file system for Windows XP Professional.

21. Major advantages of using NTFS include that it is a secure file system that provides more efficient storage of data on hard disks and faster access to files and folders.

22. Instead of using FAT, NTFS uses a special file called the Master File Table (MFT) that tracks all the files and directories in a volume. It is a database of all the files on the system.

23. Files are written to a disk in the first available cluster and, if possible, in adjacent or contiguous clusters. If the adjacent clusters are already in use, the OS skips to the next available noncontiguous cluster.

24. A disk is formatted with the FORMAT command, an external utility program.

25. The basic syntax of the FORMAT command is:

FORMAT volume: [/V:label] [/Q] [/F:size]

26. The internal VOL command allows you to view the internal electronic label.

27. The external LABEL command allows you to change the internal electronic label.

28. The /Q parameter performs a quick format that does not check for bad sectors on a disk. In addition, it can be used only on a disk that has been previously formatted.

29. Always use the correct media type when formatting disks.

KEY TERMS

|active partition |extended partition |noncontiguous |

|allocation unit |extent |New Technology File System (NTFS) |

|bad sectors |file allocation table (FAT) |partition |

|basic disk |file system |partition table |

|boot sector |formatting |physical formatting |

|cluster |high-level formatting |primary partition |

|cluster overhang |initializing the disk |run |

|contiguous |logical formatting |virtual file allocation table (VFAT) |

|downward compatibility |low-level formatting |volume label |

|dynamic disk |master boot record (MBR) |volume serial number |

|end-of-file (EOF) marker |master file table (MFT) | |

LECTURE NOTES

|CHAPTER OUTLINE |TEACHING SUGGESTIONS |

|CHAPTER OVERVIEW |Slides 27 |

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|The need for formatting a disk will be discussed. |Chapter Overview duplicated in PowerPoint slides. |

|The difference between partitioning and formatting a disk will be explained.|After completion of lecture, suggest to students that they review |

|The structure of a disk will be described. |Objectives and Outcomes found on first page of chapter as a check to |

|Will learn to format a disk, electronically label it, and then learn how to |see if they have mastered concepts. |

|change the label. | |

|Various file systems will be compared and contrasted. | |

|Some of the parameters that can be used with the FORMAT command will be | |

|discussed and then will be used with the FORMAT command. | |

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|WHY FORMAT A DISK? | |

|Why Format a Disk? | |

|Disks. | |

|Used for permanently storing data and programs. | |

|Makes it possible to distribute data from one computer to another. | |

|Initializing/formatting disk is process of preparing disk so it is |SECTION 3.1 (p.96) |

|compatible with OS. |Slides 8-10 |

|OS sets up guidelines for reading from/writing to a disk. | |

|System utility command () used to prepare a disk for use. |Although the FORMAT command works for both hard and floppy disks, this |

|All disks, including hard disk, must be formatted. |text deals only with formatting floppy disks. |

|Floppy disks. |FORMAT command can also be accessed from GUI. |

|Most purchased today are preformatted | |

|Can purchase nonformatted disks - usually less expensive. |Discussion Question (1) - What purpose do disks serve? |

|Disks that contain obsolete information can be reformatted. |Discussion Question (2) - Why must you format a disk? |

|Purchase new hard disk – must be formatted. | |

|Hard disks are typically formatted once, when they are new. | |

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|PARTITIONING AND FORMATTING DISKS | |

|Partitioning and Formatting Disks | |

|Disk must be prepared prior to use. | |

|Hard disk - special process. | |

|Divided into logical divisions (partitioned). | |

|Then formatted with file system. | |

|Partition terms. | |

|Primary Partition = section of a hard disk. | |

|Hard disk limited to four primary partitions per physical disk. | |

|Partition table. | |

|Located in first physical sector. | |

|Tell where each partition begins/ends. | |

|Identifies | |

|Type of file system for each partition. | |

|If partition is bootable. | |

|Volume | |

|Each partition on drive called a Volume. | |

|Has own volume label. |SECTION 3.2 (pp. 96-97) |

|Active Partition. |Slides 11-16 |

|Can boot only from active partition. | |

|Hard disk limited to four primary partitions per physical disk. |Partitioning = Physically dividing section of hard disk from other |

|Extended partition. |sections of disk & then having OS treat that section as if it were a |

|Only one primary partition can be an extended partition. |separate unit. |

|Can contain logical drives (volumes). |Formatting = Preparing disk for use. |

|Dual booting system (system with 2 OS) |- Can refer to way data looks in a document. |

|Create partition for each OS. |Most hard disks have single partition encompassing entire hard drive. |

|Only one OS active at a time. |Partitioned disk allocates fixed amount of space to each partition. |

|Boot computer from partition where OS is located. |- Each partition marked with OS. |

|Each OS formats disks in own way. |Initializing the disk = Process of preparing a disk so that it will be |

|Depending on OS used and file system selected may be able to recognize other|compatible with an operating system. |

|drive but no read files on it. |Acronyms. |

|Precautions in running multiple OS |- FAT – File allocation table. |

|W95 and W98 in multiple-boot configuration – not compatible. |- NTFS - New Technology File System. |

|Order of installation important. |- CDFS - Compact Disc File System. |

|Specific information to install multiple OS beyond scope of book. |- UDF - Universal Disk Format. |

|File system - organizational scheme of OS. |Wintel (Windows/Intel) – computer that has an Intel or clone-Intel |

|OS prepares disk to be read from and written to them. |processor and is running Windows OS. |

|OS is what makes one computer compatible with another. |Most hard disks and floppy disks are preformatted for use. |

|Process of preparing disk - formatting or initializing disk. |Text deals only with formatting floppy disks. |

|Focusing on Windows-based formatting. |Basic disk = Physical disk that contains partitions and/or extended |

|WXP supports four file systems. |partitions with logical drives and a partition table. |

|NTFS. | |

|Three FAT file systems (FAT12, FAT16, and FAT32). | |

|FAT12 – used on floppy disks. | |

|In reality, choice is either FAT or NTFS. | |

|WXP supports two types of file systems on CD-ROM and DVD. | |

|CDFS & UDF. | |

|Both beyond scope of text. | |

|All disks must be formatted. | |

|Hard disk | |

|- Usually partitioned and formatted. | |

|-- Typically formatted only one time. | |

|Floppy disks for Wintel computer are also preformatted. | |

|Two types of disk storage configuration. | |

|Basic disks. | |

|Physical disk. | |

|WXP initializes all disks as basic. | |

|Dynamic disks. | |

|Physical disks upgraded/managed by Disk Management utility program. | |

|Do not use partitions/logical drives. | |

|Only computers running W2K and above can use dynamic disks. | |

|Beyond scope of text. | |

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|THE STRUCTURE OF A DISK | |

|The Structure of a Disk | |

|Two parts to formatting. | |

|Low-level (physical) formatting. | |

|High-level (logical) formatting. | |

|Low-level (physical) formatting. | |

|Creates/sequentially numbers tracks/sectors. | |

|Done to identify each track and sector. | |

|Number of tracks/sectors varies depending on type of disk. | |

|High-level (logical) formatting. | |

|Determines how OS uses disk. | |

|Builds structure (file system) to keep track of location of files. | |

|Done so files can be stored/retrieved. | |

|Hard disks. | |

|Need only high-level formatting. | |

|Low-level is done at the factory. | |

|FORMAT command. | |

|Floppy disk – does high and low-level formatting. | |

|Hard disk -only high –level formatting done. | |

|WXP monitors status of all disk data sectors. | |

|Checks sector for damage, or if sector is empty/available for data storage. | |

|Not efficient to check each sector. | |

|Groups sectors into clusters (allocation units). | |

|WXP writes data to unread clusters. | |

|Smallest unit WXP works with is a cluster. | |

|WXP tracks location in file system you have chosen. | |

|FAT (file allocation table). | |

|NTFS (New Technology File System). | |

|Floppy disks only use FAT. | |

|Cluster space can only be claimed by data allocated to one file. | |

|Any other file cannot claim space. | |

|Cluster overhang is wasted space on disk. | |

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|THE MASTER BOOT RECORD AND THE BOOT SECTOR | |

|The Master Boot Record and the Boot Sector | |

|Master boot record first part of any hard disk. | |

|Finds hard disk. | |

|Launches necessary codes to load drivers located on boot record. | |

|Boot sector. | |

|First sector on every logical drive. | |

|Contains table of drive’s characteristics. | |

|# of tracks/bytes per sector/sectors per track | |

|Version of OS used to format disk. | |

|Root directory/volume serial number etc. | |

|Contains bootstrap loader program. | |

|Used by W2K to identify type of disk. | |

|Even if disk not system disk, still has boot sector. | |

|Error messages if booting from non-system disk. See PowerPoint slides | |

|#27-28. | |

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|FAT16, VFAT, AND FAT32 | |

|FAT16, VFAT, AND FAT32 | |

|Using FAT to format disk creates: | |

|Boot record. | |

|File Allocation Table (two copies). | |

|Root Directory. | |

|Rest of disk – Files area (data sectors). | |

|FAT. | |

|Map of disk’s data clusters. | |

|Entries correspond to every disk cluster. |SECTION 3.2.1 (p. 98) |

|Number of clusters varies from one disk type to another. |Slides 17-23 |

|Cluster size determined by partition size. | |

|FAT essential in managing data. |Tracks = Concentric circles on disk. |

|FAT number indicates status of cluster. |- Divided into sectors. |

|O - empty cluster (available). |-----Sector – smallest unit on disk |

|Other specific #’s - cluster reserved or bad. |-----Sector - 512 bytes. |

|All other #’s - cluster in use. |When data is written to disk track/sector tells read/write head where |

|Following trail of data file. |to position itself. |

|FAT # - pointer to next cluster that holds data for that file. |FAT (File Allocation Table). |

|FAT #s link clusters belonging to same file. |- Map of disk - keeps track of all clusters on disk. |

|Special entry indicates where file ends. |- Used in conjunction with the directory table. |

|Work in conjunction with root directory table. |Clusters (allocation units). |

|VFAT (virtual file allocation table). |- Smallest unit of disk space that W2K can write to/read from. |

|Special FAT version introduced in W95. |- Comprised of one or more sectors. |

|Allowed backward compatibility and accommodated long file names. |- These units allocate disk space. |

|Variation of original 16-bit FAT. |Cluster overhang = Wasted space on a disk as W2K reads/writes only one |

|Virtual 32-bit FAT - not a real 32-bit FAT. |cluster at a time. |

|W2K and WXP - 32-bit FAT – primary file system. |- File occupies more space than it needs. |

|Contains maximum of 65,536 clusters on hard drive (2.1GB). | |

|FAT32 introduced in W95 OSR2. |Discussion Question (3) - Compare and contrast physical (low-level) |

|Enhanced in W98. |formatting with logical (high-level) formatting of a disk. |

|Overcome limitations of VFAT. |Discussion Question (4) - Define tracks, sectors, and clusters. |

|Based on 32-bit file allocation table entries. | |

|Will support larger hard drives up to 2 terabytes or 1,000 billion bytes. | |

|Uses smaller clusters than FAT file system. | |

|For drives over 512MB. | |

|Does not apply to floppy drives. | |

|FAT32 provides further enhancements. | |

|Moveable root directory. | |

|Can use backup copy of file allocation table. | |

|Has internal backup copy of some critical FAT data structure. | |

|Imposes restrictions on # (over 64000) of entries in root directory table. | |

|Allows root directory table to be located anywhere on hard drive. | |

|Advantages/disadvantages of FAT and FAT32 depend on file size and type. | |

|Smaller clusters. | |

|More clusters on partition. | |

|Store more data. | |

|FAT is larger. | |

|- Takes longer to locate information to access file. | |

|Larger clusters. | |

|Table smaller and takes less time to locate information to access file. | |

|Increases wasted disk space by cluster overhang. | |

|FAT32 best if many small files. | |

|FAT best if mostly large files | |

|Restrictions. | |

|FAT32 – only on drives larger than 512MB. | |

|FAT32 not recognized by DOS W3.1, WNT, and original version of W95. |SECTION 3.2.2 (p. 99) |

|W2K and WXP recognize FAT32. |Slides 24-30 |

|Floppy disks. | |

|Always FAT. |Master boot record (MBR) = Used before booting. Determines location of|

|Can be read by any FAT OS. |the bootable partition of hard disk and then gives control over to it. |

| |Bootstrap loader program = Copies necessary system files from disk into|

|THE ROOT DIRECTORY |memory. |

|The Root Directory |System disk – one capable of booting system. |

|Table that records information about each file on disk. |Floppy disk. |

|Information displayed (My Computer/Explorer) comes from root directory |- Contains no MBR. |

|table. |- Boot sector is first sector. |

|Changes made in root directory table make WXP compatible with older W and |Discussion Question (5) - What is the purpose and function of the boot |

|DOS programs. |record? |

|DOS only recognizes 8.3 file names. |Discussion Question (13) – What steps can you take when you see error |

|W95/98/2K allow long file name and 8.3 name limitations. |messages? |

|DOS/W2K/WXP stores information in root directory table for every file on | |

|disk. | |

|Unused area in table used by WXP to handle long file names. | |

|Combination of attributes signal entry is first of series of directory | |

|entries. |SECTION 3.2.3 (pp. 99-101) |

|Allows series of directory entries to be chained together so long file names|Slides 31-42 |

|can be used. | |

|WXP maintains compatibility |Boot record/FAT/Root directory. |

|Assigns every file - long & short file name (follows 8.3 rule). |Control how files stored on disk. |

|Starting cluster number |Determine how W saves/retrieves files. |

|Critical entry in root directory |2 copies of FAT in case one is damaged. |

|Indicates which cluster holds first portion of a file. |FAT. |

|Root directory tells WXP what is on the disk. |Always in first sector of disk. |

|FAT tells WXP where data is on the disk. |Occupies as many sectors as needed to map out drive. |

| |Data files rarely one cluster. |

|THE FAT AND THE ROOT DIRECTORY |VFAT referred to as FAT. |

|The FAT and the Root Directory |W monitors status of all disks data sectors |

|FAT works with the root directory table. |--Checks if sector full, damaged or empty/available for data storage. |

|Root Directory. |--Not efficient to check each sector. |

|Tells you what is on the disk. |Groups sector into clusters. |

|FAT |Writes data to unread clusters. |

|Points to where to start finding information about file. |Smallest unit W works with is cluster. |

|Acts like a chart – tells you where to go. |Discussion Question (6) - Define FAT. How is it used on a disk? |

|EOF (End-of-file) marker |Discussion Question (7) - Compare and contrast FAT, FAT32, and NTFS. |

|Indicates no more data in file. | |

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|THE DATA PORTION OR THE FILES AREA | |

|The Data Portion or the Files Area | |

|Rest of the disk used for storing files. | |

|WXP - all files/programs/data are chains of bytes laid out in a sequence. | |

|Space allocated to files on as-needed basis. | |

|W2K writes to first cluster available. | |

|Writes in contiguous clusters when possible | |

|If necessary uses noncontiguous space. | |

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|UNDERSTANDING THE FAT AND THE ROOT DIRECTORY TABLE | |

|Understanding the FAT and the Root Directory Table | |

|See PowerPoint slide #50. | |

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|NTFS | |

|NTFS | |

|NTFS used if user wants disk security, performance, and efficiency. | |

|Advantages of NTFS. | |

|Secure file system – can assign permission to each file/folder on disk. | |

|More efficient storage of data on large hard disks. | |

|Faster access to files/folders. | |

|IF disk failure - better data recovery. | |

|Restore disk based on log file. | |

|Can compress files – more data can be stored on disk. | |

|Can assign disk quotas – set limits on how much disk space a user may have. | |

|Encryption of files for better security. | |

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|CLUSTERS AND NTFS | |

|Clusters and NTFS | |

|NTFS. | |

|Uses FAT cluster scheme for allocating data. | |

|Has fewer overheads. | |

|Reducing operating overhead can allocate more computer resources to work you| |

|want done. | |

|Structure of NTFS volume looks similar to FAT – but there are differences. | |

|Figure 3.4, See PowerPoint slide #55. | |

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|MASTER FILE TABLE (MFT) | |

|Master File Table (MFT) | |

|NTFS uses Master File Table (MFT) instead of FAT. | |

|MFT. | |

|Database of all files on system. | |

|Tracks all files/directories in volume | |

|Dynamic – changes size when necessary. | |

|First 16 records called Metadata files. | |

|Contain information about volume. | |

|Considered overhead for maintaining the file system. | |

|MFT has entry for MFT itself. | |

|Other files log files, mark bad clusters, root directory. | |

|After volume info, each record in MFT corresponds to one file or file in |SECTION 3.2.4 (pp. 102-103) |

|file system. |Slides 43-44 |

|Record for file/folder contains attributes. | |

|MFT additions or differences from FAT. |Information directory table includes file name, file extension, size of|

|Major attribute – adds security descriptor |file in bytes, date and time file last modified, and file’s attributes.|

|Who has what access to what files. |Short file name (alias). |

|NTFS – secure file system |- Based on long file name. |

|Can assign permission for every file/folder on system. |- Stored in first directory entry using - DOS 8.3 name. |

|Data in file considered to be attribute in file. |- - Name created by alias process not controlled by user or |

|Data small – file fit in MFT |application. |

|Fast access | |

|Eliminates file fragmentation. | |

|Most files too large to fit MFT. | |

|NTFS stores it in new separate set of clusters called run or extent. | |

|Any attribute stored in MFT considered to be a resident attribute. | |

|Any attribute forced out is nonresident attribute. | |

|Folders treated as files in NTFS. | |

|Folder small – | |

|Index to files in folder kept in NTFS – | |

|Called Index Root Attribute. | |

|Folder large – NTFS creates a new extent with nonresident attributed – | |

|called an Index Buffer. | |

|Contains a data structure called a b-tree. | |

|B-tree stores indexes to information in a sorted order. | |

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|DECIDING ON A FILE SYSTEM | |

|Deciding on a File System | |

|Can choose file system when installing WXP | |

|Can convert FAT to FAT32 or NTFS. | |

|One-way conversions. | |

|Cannot convert FAT32/NTFS to FAT. | |

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|CLARIFYING PROCEDURES | |

|Clarifying Procedures | |

|System utility files subdirectory. | |

|Will be at command prompt screen. | |

|Need to be in subdirectory that has system utility files. | |

|Refer to Configuration Table in Chapter 1 | |

|Blank or new disk. | |

|Any special lab procedures? | |

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|ACTIVITY—FORMATTING A FLOPPY DISK |SECTION 3.2.5 (p. 103) |

|Formatting a Floppy Disk |Slides 45-47 |

|Warning! Never format a disk with information you wish to keep. | |

|Activity steps. |Compare Root directory and FAT to a book’s Table of Contents. |

|Open a Command Prompt window |Root Directory = Topic or chapter heading. |

|No disk in Drive A |FAT = Pages where topic or chapter will be found. |

|Key in following: |---Number in FAT is pointer to next cluster that holds data in file. |

|CD \WINNT\SYSTEM32 |---FAT - chart that shows where to go |

|DIR |---Occupies as many sectors as needed to map disk. |

|FORMAT A: |Discussion Question (8) - What is the purpose and function of the root |

|Prepare and affix label to blank disk. Name it “DATA disk” and insert it |directory in a FAT file system? |

|into Drive A. | |

|Press ///N/ |SECTION 3.2.6 (p. 104) |

|Press /N/ |Slides 48-49 |

|Key in: CD \ | |

|Activity completed. |Contiguous clusters = Adjacent clusters. |

| |Noncontiguous clusters = Clusters physically scattered throughout disk.|

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|FORMATTING A DISK WITH A VOLUME LABEL | |

|Formatting a Disk with a Volume Label | |

|Can use parameters other than the disk drive letter with the FORMAT command.|SECTION 3.2.7 (pp. 104-105) |

|Syntax for FORMAT commands (with parameters). See PowerPoint slide 65-66 |Slide 50 |

|Explain function of each parameter. | |

|Parameters work but have been superseded. |Use analogy of self-storage bins. |

|Beginning with MS-DOS version 3.3 volume or drive letter mandatory. |Office Manager has: |

|Important parameters to remember are: |Map of all bins (FAT). |

|FORMAT volume [/V: label] [/Q] |List of used/unused bins (directory). |

|/Q performs quick format – |Customer (file) tells manager how many bins are needed. |

|Used only on previously formatted disk. |Manager checks list for free bins and assigns needed bins to customer |

|Deletes entries from FAT and root directory but leaves files untouched. |(file). |

|/V – used to place volume label on disk. |Customer (file) needs items (information) back, manager checks to see |

|/F: size – format floppy disk that does not match capacity of floppy disk |what bins were assigned to customer and where they are located. |

|drive. | |

|Discuss function of /F: size. |SECTION 3.2.8 (p. 105) |

|Volume label. |Slides 51-52 |

|Electronic name. | |

|Like labeling file drawer. |File system used determines which OS advanced features available to |

|Formatting disk in recent versions of OS automatically asks for volume label|user. |

|even if /V not included. |Windows NT preferred file system over FAT, VFAT, and FAT32 |

|If parameter /V (fixed) included can provide label itself (variable) and |NTFS. |

|eliminate step. |- Introduced in Windows NT. |

| |- Preferred over FAT, VFAT, and FAT32. |

|ACTIVITY—USING THE /V OPTION |- Offers secure file system. |

|Using the /V Option | |

|C:\> is displayed and disk just formatted is in Drive A. | |

|Activity steps. | |

|Key in: | |

|CD \WINNT\SYSTEM32 | |

|FORMAT A: /V: SAMPLEDATA | |

|Press | |

|Key in: N/DIR A: then VOL then VOL A: | |

|Activity completed. | |

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| |SECTION 3.2.9 (pp. 105-106) |

|THE LABEL COMMAND |Slides 53-55 |

|The LABEL Command | |

|External command. | |

|Used to change volume label without reformatting the disk. |Discuss the idea of a business’ overhead. |

|LABEL syntax: |Computer system’s overhead is its cost of doing business. |

|LABEL [drive:] [label] |- Uses processing time and memory to run OS. |

| |- Computer overhead does not directly relate to task at hand. |

| |Discussion Question (9) – How is space allocated to files in FAT? In |

|ACTIVITY—USING THE LABEL COMMAND |NTFS? |

|Using the LABEL Command | |

|C:\WINNT\SYSTEM32> displayed. | |

|Disk just formatted is in Drive A. | |

|Activity steps. |SECTION 3.2.10 (pp. 106-107) |

|Key in: LABEL A: |Slides 56-60 |

|Press . | |

|Key in: Y then VOL A: |Database. |

|Key in: LABEL A:SAMPLE DATA |Way of finding info fast. |

|Key in: VOL A: |Used heavily in computer world. |

|Activity completed. |Like card catalog. |

| |--Card catalog has card pointing to physical location of book (shelf). |

| |Attributes contain file name, status of read-only bit, file creation, |

| |accessed dates, etc. |

|FORMATTING A DISK USING THE /Q PARAMETER | |

|Formatting a Disk Using the /Q Parameter | |

|/Q parameter - "quick" format. | |

|Only works on previously formatted disk. | |

|Works like usual FORMAT command, | |

|Skips low-level formatting. | |

|Clears FAT and root directory. | |

|Does not check for bad sectors on the disk. | |

|Fast way to erase a disk. | |

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|ACTIVITY—USING THE /Q PARAMETER | |

|Activity: Using the /Q Parameter | |

|C:\WINNT\SYSTEM32> displayed. | |

|SAMPLE DATA disk is in Drive A. | |

|Activity steps. | |

|Key in: FORMAT A: /Q | |

|Be sure DATA disk is in Drive A | |

|Press | |

|Key in: DATA/N/VOL A:. then CD \ | |

|Key in EXIT | |

|Click Start/Turn Off Computer/Turn Off | |

|Activity completed. | |

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| |SECTION 3.2.11 (p. 107) |

| |Slides 61-62 |

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| |Format floppy – always FAT file system. |

| |Hard disk – you decide. Check Disk properties to see file system. |

| |Every disk has file system assigned to it. |

| |Properties – displays which file system used. |

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| |SECTION 3.3 (p. 107) |

| |Slide 63 |

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| |SECTION 3.4 (pp. 107-111) |

| |Slide 64 |

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| |Never key in C:\>FORMAT C: as command may erase all information on hard|

| |disk. |

| |Stress that formatting erases all information on the disk. |

| |FORMAT command does not distinguish between floppy and hard disk. |

| |Volume serial number is unique is used for disk identification by |

| |application programs. |

| |Discussion Question (10) - FORMAT can be a dangerous command. Explain. |

| |Discussion Question (11) - What does the prompt on the screen |

| |represent? |

| |Discussion Question (12) - Compare and contrast internal and external |

| |commands. |

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| |SECTION 3.5 (pp. 111-113) |

| |Slides 65-69 |

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| |Options such as /C (compressed), /X (dismount) and /A (cluster size) |

| |relevant when managing network. |

| |Discussion Question (14) - What is a volume label? |

| |Discussion Question (15) - When formatting a disk, the drive letter is |

| |a mandatory parameter. Why? |

| |Discussion Question (16) - Give the syntax for the FORMAT command and |

| |explain each item. |

| |Discussion Question (17) - Explain the purpose and function of a quick |

| |format. |

| |Discussion Question (18) - When using the FORMAT command, what are the |

| |purpose and function of the parameter /V? |

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| |SECTION 3.6 (pp. 113-115) |

| |Slide 70 |

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| |VOL command = Internal command. Displays volume label. |

| |Meaningful volume label identifies what is on disk |

| |Two ways to display volume label |

| |VOL and directory command |

| |Discussion Question (19) - What is the purpose and function of the VOL |

| |command? |

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| |SECTION 3.7 (p. 115) |

| |Slides 71-73 |

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| |VOLUME command = Internal command Used to see volume label. |

| |Discussion Question (20) - What is the purpose and function of the |

| |LABEL command? |

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| |SECTION 3.8 (pp. 1115-117) |

| |Slide 74 |

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| |Include A: parameter or OS assumes want to change electronic name of C |

| |drive. |

| |Discuss. |

| |- Deleting volume label |

| |- Placing volume label on disk |

| |Use of spaces |

| |LABEL – allows use of spaces |

| |FORMAT with /V parameter does not allow spaces. |

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| |SECTION 3.9 (p. 117) |

| |Slide 75 |

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| |Stress that the /Q parameter works only on a previously formatted disk.|

| |Discussion Question (21) - When using the FORMAT command, when would |

| |you use the /Q parameter? |

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| |SECTION 3.10 (pp. 117-119) |

| |Slide 76 |

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| |Can use /Q because disk has already been formatted. |

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