Unit 7: File System
File systems play an important role in the operating system. From the user's perspective, the file system is a simple filing cabinet. However, behind the scenes there is much complexity. We will discuss a general overview of file systems, a look at file allocation and methods as well as disk allocation algorithms.
Completing this unit should take you approximately 15 hours.
Upon successful completion of this unit, you will be able to:
- describe a file system and its purpose;
- discuss various file allocation methods; and
- explain disk allocation and associated algorithms.
7.1: Introduction to File Systems
7.2: File Allocation Methods
Read this page and be sure to complete the simulations for each type of file management.
7.3: Disk Management Algorithms
Watch the first lecture starting at 1:00:25, and watch the second lecture until 60:00.
Unit 7 Activities
Complete both parts of the lab. Compare your results to the second part with those contained in the answer key.
Follow all directions and complete the laboratory. Save your results to a Word document as instructed and compare your results to the answer key.
Review the material on disk management algorithms. Complete all problems. For problems 1 and 3, it might be easiest to use a spreadsheet to track the movement of the disk head as well as to calculate the number of cylinders moved. Compare your results with the answer key.