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Microsoft to replace FAT with exFAT
Microsoft has begun phasing out the FAT (File Allocation Table) filesystem. First launched in 1977 as an eight-bit storage format for Microsoft's BASIC language, the file system is still quite popular on removable devices where FAT's 4GB file size limit doesn't matter. Microsoft signed agreements with five hardware vendors to license exFAT for use in peripheral devices, this file system was developed for Windows Embedded CE 6.0 in 2006 and fixes many of FAT's issues like support for files larger than 4GB, enhanced storage efficiency, and lower seek times in very large directories. The only downside however is that open-source operating systems like Linux are left out in the cold.
So far, exFAT's closed-source and proprietary nature, and its use of software patents to prevent third-party support being added without a licence, has limited its appeal. That appears to be changing, however, with Microsoft announcing deals with Sharp, Sigma, NextoDi, Black Magic and Atmos Global to add exFAT support to future products. Sharp will be adding the format to its future Android tablets, Sigma and NextoDi to its professional cameras and image storage products, and Black Magic and Atmos Global to their video recording systems.
These peripherals will be limited to use with selected operating systems thanks to a lack of exFAT support in third party products. Should they prove successful with consumers, the days of cross-platform devices could be drawing to a close and while Apple has licensed the format for OS X, open-source operating systems like Linux are likely to be left out in the cold.
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k1net1cs
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#4451422 Posted on: 11/10/2012 08:52 PM
exFAT isn't new; WinXP users can install exFAT support from MS, while Vista and Win7 already support it by default.
Of course, that'd probably leave Mac and GNU/Linux users 'out in the cold', but then again Apple has licensed exFAT and (realistically) that's all that matters.
Besides, since when did FAT (FAT32) isn't proprietary?
Just because it sees widespread use doesn't mean it's not proprietary; just look at the h.264 video format.
To be honest, I'll be glad if exFAT ever takes off and gets widespread use like FAT32 did.
Anyway, 4GB file size limit is a FAT32 limitation, while FAT16's is 4GB volume size limit, so I'm pretty sure the FAT being mentioned is FAT32, unless that '4GB file size limit' in the article is a typo.
That 'FAT from 1977' is not even FAT16 since (final) FAT16 was still years away.
exFAT isn't new; WinXP users can install exFAT support from MS, while Vista and Win7 already support it by default.
Of course, that'd probably leave Mac and GNU/Linux users 'out in the cold', but then again Apple has licensed exFAT and (realistically) that's all that matters.
Besides, since when did FAT (FAT32) isn't proprietary?
Just because it sees widespread use doesn't mean it's not proprietary; just look at the h.264 video format.
To be honest, I'll be glad if exFAT ever takes off and gets widespread use like FAT32 did.
Anyway, 4GB file size limit is a FAT32 limitation, while FAT16's is 4GB volume size limit, so I'm pretty sure the FAT being mentioned is FAT32, unless that '4GB file size limit' in the article is a typo.
That 'FAT from 1977' is not even FAT16 since (final) FAT16 was still years away.
DLD
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Senior Member
Posts: 871
Joined: 2002-09-14
#4451491 Posted on: 11/10/2012 10:24 PM
"open-source operating systems like Linux are left out in the cold."
That is the reason. The only thing m$ really is craving for (except the $) is to find the way(s) of giving hard times to the open source community... This guy (Billy Windows) is a REAL Sauron and his company is a REAL Mordor...
"open-source operating systems like Linux are left out in the cold."
That is the reason. The only thing m$ really is craving for (except the $) is to find the way(s) of giving hard times to the open source community... This guy (Billy Windows) is a REAL Sauron and his company is a REAL Mordor...
yelsewshane
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Posts: 1591
Joined: 2007-11-16
#4451532 Posted on: 11/10/2012 11:30 PM
I think it's a smart move for microsoft to do this. I know I would if i ran the company to make more money and force others to use my os.
I think it's a smart move for microsoft to do this. I know I would if i ran the company to make more money and force others to use my os.
Stukov
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Joined: 2007-10-01
Senior Member
Posts: 4899
Joined: 2007-10-01
#4451543 Posted on: 11/10/2012 11:48 PM
"open-source operating systems like Linux are left out in the cold."
That is the reason. The only thing m$ really is craving for (except the $) is to find the way(s) of giving hard times to the open source community... This guy (Billy Windows) is a REAL Sauron and his company is a REAL Mordor...
This is just silly. No. Just no. When I got my 16GB flash drives, they were in FAT. Tried to copy a 4 or 5GB movie over...guess what it couldn't do it. I had to reformat it, my choices were NTFS or exFAT, seeing as a friend has a mac that I give her stuff on, I choose exFAT.
Seriously I don't know what your smoking.
"open-source operating systems like Linux are left out in the cold."
That is the reason. The only thing m$ really is craving for (except the $) is to find the way(s) of giving hard times to the open source community... This guy (Billy Windows) is a REAL Sauron and his company is a REAL Mordor...
This is just silly. No. Just no. When I got my 16GB flash drives, they were in FAT. Tried to copy a 4 or 5GB movie over...guess what it couldn't do it. I had to reformat it, my choices were NTFS or exFAT, seeing as a friend has a mac that I give her stuff on, I choose exFAT.
Seriously I don't know what your smoking.
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Microsoft can be extremely stupid at times. Do they not understand that the reason FAT is still popular is specifically because of its compatibility? It's the only filesystem that is fully supported by just about every OS, probably including some game consoles as well. Making a new one that is proprietary will not get any (positive) attention from anyone - you're better off just going with NTFS.