Explaining File Systems: NTFS, exFAT, FAT32, ext4 & More

NTFS, FAT32, exFAT, ext4 and APFS are just some of the file systems used to organize data on storage drives. This video outlines the differences between these and other file systems, and explains how to choose between them.

You may also be interested in some of my other videos, including:

#FileSystems #NTFS #exFAT #FAT32 #ExplainingComputers

[loughkb]

Additional note on file system robustness and reliability. Based on years in I.T., the last job was ten years in a shop that uses hundreds of Macs for workstations.
FAT and FAT variants are fairly reliable, but will occasionally corrupt a file. Recovery is generally possible and file system repair usually possible.
NTFS is robust and reliable, but when it breaks, it breaks hard and recovery/repair is about a 50/50 possibility.
EXT4 is very robust and almost never corrupts a file. Repair and recovery in those rare cases is almost always successful.
ZFS is solid. I've never run into problems with it.
HFS+ is the worst file system ever created. It regularly corrupts files and recovery is rarely successful. 80% of the problems I fixed on mac workstations involved using a 3rd party utility to repair the file system.
APFS came out just after I left the last job, so I have no direct experience with it and can't offer any opinion.

[TimNurTV]

I'm a big fan of the aesthetic on this channel. It reminds me of watching the discovery channel when I was a kid

[johnphilippatos]

"16 Exabytes, or effectively unlimited" This is the updated line from the original "640K ought to be enough for anyone".
Excellent video Chris. Thanks a ton!

[kirillsokol]

"16 Exabytes, or effectively unlimited" Can't wait to look back on this and just think, we really thought 16 exabytes was alot.
It's just as funny whenever reading system architecture books and seeing "Since it support up to one gigabyte of ram, it practically doesn't have any restrains"

[BipinRamachandran]

tip: if you ever hit size limit on a FAT32 drive on windows and too lazy to backup & format, try this command: 'CONVERT X:/FS:NTFS' where 'X:' is the FAT32 drive. This command will convert the file system to NTFS while keeping existing files.

[tmfzqxs]

I usually watch Linus Tech Tips to get a refresher on tech. When he explained file systems, it was biased toward Windows file systems. It was unusual for him not to explain common desktop Linux, MacOS, Android, and unusual file systems. It was unusual because even though he explains stuff as fast as possible, he left out many other file systems for more time to joke around. I'm glad that you actually took the time to explain this subject in more detail!

[mohammedabbas]

I've been using computers for more than ten years and I've never really understood what are the differences between the file systems.Thanks to you, and the YouTube recommendation algorithm, that's a thing of the past.

[dheerajnarenderyadav]

Sir, I have great respect for you. I have never seen anyone explaining Computers like you do.

[jamestolliver]

I kept having issues trying to transfer large files between my two linux computers because i didnt know about the 4gb limitation on my fat32 usb drive. Watching your video to just casually learn more has actually helped me with an issue ive been having for a while, thank you.

[binarybagel]

four years later, this is still very good learning material. very comprehensive and helpful!

[nemooutis]

There are many file system discussions posted on-line. It is tedious to sort through these discussions. Your discussion is the best I've come across. Exactly what I've been looking for. Concise, well enough detailed, and crafted. If I want more information. I can go to print sources with a better than basic understanding of windows file systems. Most of what I've come across on-line is extremely stale and long winded or not relevant to what I want to know about Windows only file systems. Thank you... Good Job

[thomasottvideos]

Mr. Barnatt...

You have delivered another EXCELLENT technical tutorial in a concise manner!!

When I entered the personal computer industry in 1983, most learning was via self-teaching and trial and error. There were NO Christopher Barnatt types openly sharing their knowledge.

Thanks for sharing your time and knowledge with all the young (and not so young) eager learners in the world.

Kind regards,
T.
Phoenix, AZ USA

[CelticShae]

Christopher, you are so affable and engaging. You come across as a stereotypical gentleman from England (to this American), and I mean that only in the most complimentary of ways.

Your calm voice and relaxed candor lend themselves brilliantly to your thorough but simple explanations of things I have often found confounding.

Thank you so much for explaining computers to us. Your installments of this program are invaluable to me.

[bobarnold]

Very clear presentation of the technologies. After 40+ years of using file systems, I thought I should learn about the differences. I particularly liked your story about re-formatting a file which subsequently exceeded the limits of that particular file system.

[megapangolin]

Brilliant, clear, concise video, well spoken and enunciated and therefore great for non native speakers too. Always appreciate your work. Thank you.

[extremelydave]

Good lord, yet ANOTHER great video. Every time I watch your videos I am amazed what you dig up. If you are not in the teaching profession, you have missed your calling sir, because you do such a good job at it for the thousands of us on the other side of your monitor.

[cam_DA_Hawkdriver]

I find it hard to believe we’re in 2019 and there is not a common file system across all devices. Still goes to show that all the operating systems are still silos for their own methods of madness. Good video Chris!

[kael]

Just found out this channel when searching for the difference between fat and exFat, you explain things better than most teachers i've ever had, good work

[leot]

That last “ very soon “ always creeps me out, I have watched 100s of your videos and every single time WOW.
Thanks for the awesome content.

[wavemaker]

Hey Chris, I’ve been watching your channel for some time and just want to thank you for all the work you’ve done explaining... computers and devices along with software. Besides being informative and entertaining they’re presented delightfully and plainly enough for everyone to grasp the information you’re conveying. Thank you!