When a hard disk is formatted, a File Allocation Table (FAT) is created on the disk. FAT keeps a record of the locations of all the files on the disk FAT 16 is the file allocation system used in DOS and Windows 95. FAT 32 file system is used in Windows 98 or Win 95 OSR 2. FAT 32 is considered to be more efficient as it saves more space on the disk.

The performance of hard disk largely affects the overall performance of a PC. Hard disk performance factors include storage capacity, data access time (the time it takes for the read write heads to find a required position on the magnetic surface), data transfer time (measure how many million bit per second can be transferred from disk to RAM) and reliability.

TIP

Keep your hard disk in tip-top condition and optimize its performance.

1- Create separate folders for each business application, data or for each family member. This will keep your disk clean and organized.

2- Avoid the compression

Though file compression increases the amount of storage space, it also considerably slowdown system performance.

3- Keep 10% free. Always keep at least 10% of your hard disk free-filling it beyond 90% of its capacity will lead to system slowdown and potential loss of information.

4- Run the Maintenance Wizard utility of Windows 95 and 98. This utility make your programs run faster, checks your hard disk for problems and free hard disk space. You can schedule it to0 run on a regular basis at a specific time, for example once a week or other interval of your choice.

Start maintenance Wizard by clicking on Start, choose Programs, choose Accessories, choose system tools and click on Maintenance Wizard.

5- Use software package that help to optimize your hard disk’s performance, e.g. Symantec’s Norton Utilities.

• Partition Resizer - http://zeleps.com/
• Ranish Partition Manager - http://www.ranish.com/part/
• SwissKnife - http://www.compuapps.com/Download/swissknife/swissknife.htm
• TestDisk - http://www.cgsecurity.org/index.html?testdisk.html