Layout (Unit 13)

Layout (Unit 13)

Understanding File Layout

• All files have an internal layout that determines how the information is stored.
• The layout depends on the file format. Different formats are used for different types of contents, like text, images, audio, or video.
• It’s important to select an appropriate format when saving a file, considering the nature of the content and how the file will be used.

File Layout Structure

• Files are typically arranged in blocks or chunks of data.
• Blocks may be fixed-size, where each block holds the same amount of data, or variable-size, where block size can differ.
• The File Allocation Table (FAT) or similar system tracks where each block of a file is stored.
• The blocks of a file may be stored in sequences, so they can be read in order, or spread out across the storage space, which is called fragmentation.

File Fragmentation

• Over time, as files are created, modified, and deleted, free space on the disk can become fragmented, i.e., broken up into many small, noncontiguous chunks.
• Fragmentation can slow down file access, as the disk drive must seek different areas to gather all the parts of a file.
• Defragmentation is a process that reorganises the hard drive’s contents into contiguous blocks, speeding up access and reducing wear on the disk drive.

Tools for Managing File Layout

• File systems provide tools like formatting and defragmentation to manage the layout of files and optimise access and storage.
• Formatting prepares a disk for use by the operating system, creating the necessary structures for file storage.
• Defragmentation tools, like the Disk Defragmenter in Windows, help to maintain the efficient operation of your storage.

Remember, managing your file layout efficiently keeps your system in peak performance. This knowledge forms a crucial part of grasping file management.