Question

1. Briefly but completely explain the two most significant differences you discern from Windows and Linux file management.

2. Explain why Windows compatibility may cause issues for users.

Answer 1

1) Two differences between Linux and Windows file management are:

(i) The file system in Windows can be FAT, FAT32, exFAT or NTFS. This size controls the maximum allowable size of a single file and block size. For example, in FAT32 the maximum allowable size for a single file is 4095 MB (< 4 GB) and maximum block size is 8 KB. The file system in Linux can be minix, ext or ext2. For example, in minix the maximum allowable size for a single file is 64 MB and maximum block size is 1 KB.

(ii) Windows operating system uses a file allocation table to define the disk block that holds the top most directory. In Linux operating system this is done by using super-block. There is also no restriction to place files on the top most directory in Linux.

2) Windows compatibility may cause issues for users because:

(i) There will be problem in executing that program if the supported version is unknown.

(ii) In compatibility mode the colors are reduced.

(iii) In compatibility mode the screen resolution is reduced to 640x480 or 800x600.

Hope this helps.