Filesystems

 

1. What component of a disk tells the OS how the disk is partitioned?

Answers

·        The partition table

·        The swap table

·        The master partition list

·        The filesystems grid

Explanation: The partition table is the component of a hard drive that communicates with the operating system about how the hard disk is partitioned. A data structure known as the partition table is responsible for the storage of information on the arrangement of partitions on a disk. It includes entries for each partition on the disk, including details such as the beginning and end positions of the partition, as well as other information. This information is used by the operating system so that it can comprehend how the space on the disk is partitioned into the several separate parts.

 

2. Which of the following are partition table schemes? Select all that apply.

Answers

·        Master Boot Record (MBR)

·        New Technology Files System (NTFS)

·        Unified Extensible Firmware Interface (UEFI)

·        GUID Partition Table (GPT)

3. When partitioning a disk and formatting a filesystem, what happens if you enable compression? Select all that apply.

Answers

·        The computer’s processor will need to do less work.

·        Files and folders will take up less space on the disk.

·        The formatting process will complete in less time.

·        Files will need to be expanded when you open them.

Explanation: The amount of space that is needed to hold files on a filesystem may often be decreased by the use of compression. This is accomplished by compressing the data, which makes it possible to store more information within the allotted space.

When reading or writing compressed files, the system must undertake extra processing to either compress or decompress the data. This causes the performance of disk I/O to be hampered. On the other hand, there are certain circumstances in which a decreased quantity of data that has to be moved from the disk to memory might result in an improvement in the performance of the disk I/O.

 

4. In Linux, what happens when you enter the command sudo mkfs -t ext4 /dev/sdb1?

Answers

·        You rename the selected disk.

·        You specify the file system format for a partition on the selected disk.

·        You mount a partition on the selected disk.

·        You specify a partition table type for the selected disk.

5. Fill in the blank: Virtual memory dedicates an area of the hard drive to use a storage base for blocks of data called _____.

Answers

·        RAM

·        base storage

·        databases

·        pages

Explanation: An region of the hard drive is designated for use by virtual memory as a storage base for data blocks that are referred to as page files. This area is located on the hard drive.

 

6. In Linux, when running parted in interactive mode, what happens when you enter the command mkpart primary linux-swap 5GiB 100%? Select all that apply.

Answers

·        You enable swap on the selected device.

·        You mount a swap partition.

·        You create a new disk partition.

·        You format a disk partition for swap space.

Explanation: As a result, the command creates a new main partition on the drive with the type Linux swap that begins at 5 gigabytes and continues until it reaches the end of the disk. This is a common method for establishing a swap partition on Linux systems, which is needed for virtual memory.

 

7. What file attributes are stored in the Master File Table (MFT)? Select all that apply.

Answers

·        Language used in the file data

·        File creation time stamps

·        Whether or not a file is read-only

·        File data locations

 

8. What is the Linux equivalent to symbolic links Windows?

Answers

·        inodes

·        hardlinks

·        softlinks

·        filenames

Explanation: Symbolic links, also known as symlinks, are the feature of Linux that are analogous to Windows' symbolic links. In each of these operating systems, symbolic links are a kind of reference that may be used to quickly go to a specific file or directory.

 

9. Which features of Windows NTFS filesystem help minimize file corruption?

Answers

·        The NTFS log journaling process

·        The fsutil self-healing utility

·        The chkdsk /F command

·        The fsck command

Explanation: The New Technology File System (NTFS) that is included in Windows has a number of features that are intended to assist prevent file corruption and increase data integrity.  A transaction log is kept up to date by NTFS, which records all changes made to files and metadata. In the case that there is a problem with the system, the file system may utilize the transaction log to recover and finish previous transactions, therefore lowering the likelihood that data would get corrupted.

A journaling system is used by NTFS to keep track of modifications that are made before they are made permanent in the file system. In the event that there is a problem with the system, the file system may utilize the journal to roll back any unfinished transactions and ensure that the file system remains consistent.

 

10. What might occur if you were to run fsck on a mounted partition?

Answers

·        It could damage the file system.

·        It may change the files on the partition to read-only.

·        It might rename the partition.

·        It will repair the partition 100% of the time.

Explanation: Invoking the fsck program, which stands for "File System Consistency Check," on a partition that is already mounted might have unanticipated and sometimes damaging results. It is not advised to use the fsck command on a filesystem that is currently mounted.

Shuffle Q/A 1

11. Disk partitions can be used for which of the following purposes? Select all that apply.

Answers

·        To create volumes

·        To be able to select from two different operating systems at boot up

·        To use different file systems on the same hard drive

·        To expand the storage space on a hard drive

12. What is the maximum volume size for an MBR partition?

Answers

·        One terabyte.

·        1024 megabytes.

·        Two terabytes.

·        Two gigabytes.

Explanation: As a result, because of the constraints imposed by its addressing method, MBR is unable to manage partitions with a size greater than 2 terabytes (TB). It is recommended that you utilize the GPT (GUID Partition Table) partitioning technique, which does not have this constraint, in the event that you need to build partitions that are much bigger. GPT is a more recent partitioning system that works with greater disk capacities and enables the creation of additional partitions.

 

13. When managing memory, where does the operating system keep the most commonly accessed data pages?

Answers

·        In RAM

·        In the cloud

·        In a special hidden file on the root partition of a volume called page file dot sys

·        On the hard drive

Explanation: When it comes to memory management, the operating system will often make use of a storage level hierarchy in order to improve the efficiency with which data may be accessed. RAM, or Random Access Memory, is the principal kind of volatile memory that the operating system employs. It is where the data pages that are requested the most often and is where they are normally kept.

Accessing data from RAM is much quicker than it is from other types of storage media, such as hard drives or solid-state drives (SSDs). As a result, the operating system makes an effort to maintain frequently requested data in RAM in order to cut down on access times and increase the performance of the system as a whole.

However, it is essential to keep in mind that RAM is volatile, which means that it gets emptied of its contents whenever the computer is turned off. The operating system may make use of additional storage levels, such as disk drives, for long-term storage in order to guarantee the data's permanence. Mechanisms like as caching and paging are used in order to effectively handle data as it is moved between the various storage levels.

14. In Linux, what happens when you enter the command sudo swapon /dev/sdb1?

Answers

·        You create a new disk partition.

·        You mount a swap partition.

·        You format a disk partition for swap space.

·        You enable swap on the selected device.

15. What is the identifier that indexes a file’s entry in the MFT?

Answers

·        The volume

·        The filename

·        The creation timestamp

·        The file record number

Explanation: Each file and directory entry in the Master File Table (MFT) of the NTFS (New Technology File System) that is used in Windows is given its own unique identifier in the form of a number that is either referred to as the File Record Number (FRN) or the MFT Record Number. The File Record Number acts as an index that directs users to the section of the MFT that contains the metadata associated with the file in question. It is used by the file system to assist in the rapid location and retrieval of information on a particular directory or file.

 

16. What is the Linux equivalent to Window’s Master File Table (MFT)?

Answers

·        ipod table

·        ipath table

·        ilink table

·        inode table

Explanation: The Inode table is Linux's version of Windows' Master File Table (MFT). Both tables store metadata about files. Data structures that serve the purpose of storing metadata information about files and directories include the MFT in NTFS (New Technology File System) and the Inode table in Linux file systems.

Each file and directory in Linux file systems is linked to an Inode, which stands for an Index Node, and this Inode holds information about the file, including its permissions, its size, timestamps, and pointers to the data blocks that store the actual content of the file. The Inode table is conceptually comparable to the MFT in the NTFS file system.

The Inode structure may be different in various Linux file systems (ext2, ext3, ext4, etc.), but its primary function is to hold information associated with files and directories. Variations in the Inode structure are possible.

17. Which of the following commands will run the check disk utility and fix any problems it finds?

Answers

·        chkfix

·        chkdsk /F

·        fsck

·        chkdsk

Explanation: It is important to note that executing chkdsk may need administrative credentials. As a result, you may need to execute it from an elevated command prompt by right-clicking on the Command Prompt or PowerShell and choosing "Run as administrator." This is because running chkdsk may require that you have access to the system as an administrator.

 

18. Some versions of Linux will automatically run fsck on your computer to check for issues and attempt to auto-repair the file system. In these cases, when will your system automatically run fsck?

Answers

·        Any time you boot your computer.

·        Only when you update your Linux kernel.

·        Only when the operating system sets a bit in a metadata file that indicates there’s corruption.

·        At whatever time you schedule your system to run fsck.

Explanation: You may use tools such as tune2fs or examine configuration files unique to your Linux distribution in order to inspect or edit the parameters that decide when fsck is done automatically. These settings define when fsck is executed automatically. Always refer to the documentation that comes with your distribution if you need accurate and thorough information on the way automatic fsck is set in your particular scenario.

 

19. How many GPT partitions can you have on a disk?

Answers

·        As many as you want

·        Four

·        Sixteen

·        Five

Explanation: When compared to the earlier Master Boot Record (MBR) partitioning strategy, the GUID Partition Table (GPT) partitioning technique enables for a substantially higher number of partitions to be created. In principle, GPT can manage up to 128 distinct partitions on a single disk.

On the other hand, the actual number of partitions that you are able to create could be restricted, depending on the operating system, the partitioning tools that you use, and the needs that are unique to your system. It's possible that some operating systems or tools may place their own restrictions on you.

In practice, GPT is often used to generate a few main partitions in addition to an extended partition that contains logical partitions. This is analogous to the way that MBR partitions are formed. The maximum of 128 partitions is often more than enough for the vast majority of applications.

 

20. The Windows Disk Management Utility provides which of the following? Select all that apply.

Answers

·        A utility to make modifications to the disk and partitions on a computer

·        Information about the free and total capacity of disks and partitions on a computer

·        Information about a computer’s disks and disk partitions, as well as their file systems

·        A command line interface

21. How does a shortcut link to another file?

Answers

·        By referencing a copy of the other file

·        By referencing the other file’s reference number

·        By referencing the other file’s location on the hard drive

·        By referencing the other file’s name

Explanation: A shortcut is a kind of file that may also be referred to as a symbolic link or symlink. This type of file directs the user to another directory or file. It serves as a pointer or reference to the file or directory that is the focus of the search. In Windows, a shortcut is represented by a file with the extension.lnk, however in operating systems that are similar to Unix, it is represented by a symbolic link.

22. How does a Linux hardlink link to another file?

Answers

·        By referencing the other file’s name

·        By referencing the other file’s physical location on the hard drive

·        By referencing the other file’s inode

·        By referencing a copy of the other file

Explanation: A hard link in Linux is just an additional reference to an inode that is already present on the filesystem. When you make a hard link to a file, that file and the hard link both refer to the same inode, which means that they share the same data blocks on the disk. This happens when you establish a hard link to a file.

Shuffle Q/A 2

23. Which of the following are common risks for file corruption?

Answers

·        Sudden computer shut offs

·        System failures

·        Software bugs

·        Hitting the eject button in the OS

Explanation: It is important to perform frequent backups, make use of dependable hardware, maintain current software versions, and properly shut down the system in order to reduce the likelihood of these threats occurring. In addition, employing tools that examine the integrity of files and antivirus software may assist in identifying possible problems and finding solutions to such problems.

 

24. In Linux, what information will be displayed about a computer’s disks when the sudo parted -l command is executed in the CLI? Select all that apply.

Answers

·        The partition table types for each disk

·        The number of partitions on each of the computer’s disks

·        The security permissions for each partition

·        The sizes of the disk partitions

Explanation: The sudo parted -l command is a helpful tool for disk management and analysis since it gives a full overview of the disk and partition architecture on the system. This overview may be obtained by typing the command. It is important to keep in mind that making use of sudo guarantees that you have the appropriate rights to access and obtain in-depth disk information.

25. When partitioning a disk and formatting a filesystem, what happens if you choose the “full format” option? Select all that apply.

Answers

·        Windows will scan the target drive for errors and bad sections.

·        The formatting process will complete in less time.

·        The formatting process will take longer.

·        The allocation unit size will be larger.

Explanation: It is essential to keep in mind that the particular actions and choices available during a complete format might change depending on the formatting application or operating system that is being used. Although a complete format gives a more thorough review of the disk, it is often only essential in select cases. For example, when experiencing suspected disk difficulties or when preparing a disk for sensitive data in an environment where data security is a concern, a full format is generally only required. When preparing a disk for normal use, a rapid format is often adequate and will save you time.

26. What can the Windows Memory Manager do? Select all that apply.

Answers

·        Format and partition memory

·        Map virtual memory to physical memory

·        Stores the user’s favorite photo memories in a virtual album

·        Copy pages of memory to be read as needed by programs

27. What is a swap file or swap space?

Answers

·        A dedicated area of the hard drive used for virtual memory

·        An online forum for swapping files

·        A file that acts as a drive partition

·        An Exchange file

Explanation: A swap file or swap space is a region on the storage device of a computer (often a hard drive or SSD) that is used as virtual memory when the physical RAM (Random Access Memory) is at its maximum capacity. This occurs when a computer has run out of free space in its RAM. Because it acts as an extension of the memory of the system, it enables the operating system to temporarily shift data from random access memory (RAM) to the swap space when the physical memory reaches its capacity.

28. What happens when you format a filesystem on a partition?

Answers

·        You mount a new physical storage device.

·        You eject a storage device.

·        Your machine switches between operating systems.

·        The partition becomes a volume.

29. What is the maximum volume size for an MBR partition?

Answers

·        Two terabytes.

·        Two gigabytes.

·        One terabyte.

·        1024 megabytes.

30. In Linux, when running parted in interactive mode, what happens when you enter the command mklabel gpt?

Answers

·        You specify the file system format for a partition on the selected disk.

·        You specify a partition table type for the selected disk.

·        You rename the selected disk.

·        You mount a partition on the selected disk.

Explanation: If you are using Linux and you are running parted in interactive mode and you type the command mklabel gpt, you are telling parted to build a new partition table on the specified disk using the GPT (GUID Partition Table) format. When you do this, you are directing parted to create the new partition table on the selected disk.