Multiple File Systems and Redirection

What abstraction does an OS present to applications regarding files?

The OS presents an abstraction of a file where the program shouldn't be aware of the underlying file system details.

What determines performance differences in file system usage?

Performance differences arise from using the wrong file system for an application, but this is a system engineering issue, not a coding one.

Why must most operating systems support multiple file systems?

Because different file systems are best suited for different media types and usage scenarios.

What file system is typically used for CDs?

ISO-9660, though some early CDs used proprietary formats.

What file system must an OS typically support for floppy disks?

FAT12 floppy formatted disks derived from MS-DOS, though Mac and UNIX formats are also common.

When might a hard drive need to support a non-native file system format?

During system upgrades to new OS versions, when running multiple OSs, or when using virtualization to run different client OSs simultaneously.

What typically happens to the file system during an OS upgrade?

The file system initially remains in the old format, requiring a separate conversion step to the new format.

Why might a system need to access multiple file system formats simultaneously?

When running multiple OSs (either through dual-boot or virtualization) and needing access to all drives regardless of the active OS.

What modern computing trend increases the need for multiple file system support?

The common practice of running virtual OSs that may host multiple client OSs simultaneously, each potentially using different file systems.

What is the fundamental reason OSs need to support various file system formats?

To accommodate different media types, system upgrades, and multiple operating system environments.