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The FAT is statically allocated at the time of formatting.
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The file system uses an index table stored on the device to identify chains of data storage areas associated with a file, the File Allocation Table ( FAT). Main article: Design of the FAT file system FAT is the standard file system for digital cameras per the DCF specification. įAT file systems are still commonly found on floppy disks, flash and other solid-state memory cards and modules (including USB flash drives), as well as many portable and embedded devices. The FAT standard has also been expanded in other ways while generally preserving backward compatibility with existing software.įAT is no longer the default file system for Microsoft Windows computers. The increase in disk drives capacity required three major variants: FAT12, FAT16 and FAT32. It is often supported for compatibility reasons by current operating systems for personal computers and many mobile devices and embedded systems, allowing interchange of data between disparate systems. Originally developed in 1977 for use on floppy disks, it was adapted for use on hard disks and other devices. Read-only, Hidden, System, Volume, Directory, ArchiveįAT12/FAT16: File, directory and volume access rights for Read, Write, Execute, Delete only with DR-DOS, PalmDOS, Novell DOS, OpenDOS, FlexOS, 4680 OS, 4690 OS, Concurrent DOS, Multiuser DOS, System Manager, REAL/32 (Execute right only with FlexOS, 4680 OS, 4690 OS individual file / directory passwords not with FlexOS, 4680 OS, 4690 OS World/ Group/ Owner permission classes only with multiuser security loaded)įAT32: Partial, only with DR-DOS, REAL/ OSįAT12/FAT16: Per-volume, SuperStor, Stacker, DoubleSpace, DriveSpaceįile Allocation Table ( FAT) is a file system developed for personal computers. Modified date/time, creation date/time (DOS 7.0 and higher only), access date (only available with ACCDATE enabled), deletion date/time (only with DELWATCH 2) Microsoft, NCR, SCP, IBM, Compaq, Digital Research, Novell, CalderaĨ-bit FAT, FAT12, FAT16, FAT16B, FAT32, ExFAT, FATX, FAT+ġ977 ( 1977) with Standalone Disk BASIC-80Ĥ,294,967,295 bytes (4 GB – 1) with FAT16B and FAT32 Ĩ.3 filename, or 255 UCS-2 characters when using LFN For the main encyclopedia article, see Design of the FAT file system. This article is a non-technical introduction to the subject.
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