what is the difference between FAT32 and NTFS?

This topic is locked from further discussion.

Avatar image for High_Fly
High_Fly

2846

Forum Posts

0

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 0

User Lists: 0

#1 High_Fly
Member since 2003 • 2846 Posts
what is the difference and which one is better? (if any is better) THANKS!!!
Avatar image for c02z
c02z

1840

Forum Posts

0

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 0

User Lists: 0

#2 c02z
Member since 2005 • 1840 Posts
NTFS , no idea but i think its used on xp and vista so it is a new and improved file system comparing to fat32.
Avatar image for JigglyWiggly2
JigglyWiggly2

320

Forum Posts

0

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 1

User Lists: 0

#3 JigglyWiggly2
Member since 2007 • 320 Posts
Fat32 is faster, and only takes files up to 4 gigs. NTFS is slower, has alot more security, recovery, and takes files greater than 4 gigs, this is why most usb thumbsticks, external harddrives take fat32, I usually change my extern hd's to NTFS, for files greater than 4 gigs, this will delete everything on it, but it is noticebly slower, as I have experienced, and i as i read.
Avatar image for byshop
Byshop

20504

Forum Posts

0

Wiki Points

0

Followers

Reviews: 11

User Lists: 0

#4 Byshop  Moderator
Member since 2002 • 20504 Posts

I've never heard that performance statistic before, but the reason that FAT32 is primarily used over NTFS on thumb drives is because a FAT32 filesystem doesn't need to be dismounted before it's disconnected. With NTFS, you have to detach the device prior to unplugging it or else you might lose data in the write-behind.

Also, NTFS supports encryption, file ownership and security.

-Byshop