1.3 - Windows file systems and features
CompTIA A+ Core 2 objective 1.3 covers Windows file systems and a few related OS limits. NTFS is the standard Windows file system and the only one that natively supports file permissions and encryption (EFS). exFAT is best for large removable drives - a 128 GB USB that must hold files bigger than 4 GB - and works across Windows and macOS. ReFS is Microsoft's newer resilient file system, used mainly on servers and storage. You should also know that a 32-bit version of Windows can address only about 4 GB of RAM, and that the read-only attribute prevents a file from being changed or deleted accidentally. Expect scenario questions that describe a drive size, file size or sharing need and ask for the correct file system.
Windows permissions + encryption = NTFS. Big files on a USB (over 4 GB) + Windows/macOS = exFAT. Modern resilient (servers) = ReFS. 32-bit Windows RAM cap ~4 GB. Prevent accidental change = read-only attribute.
Practice questions
1. A 32-bit version of Windows is installed. What is its practical RAM limit?
- About 2 GB
- About 4 GB (correct answer)
- About 16 GB
- There is no limit
32-bit Windows addresses about 4 GB of RAM. Use a 64-bit OS to use more memory.
2. Which file system is the modern Microsoft format introduced for resiliency, used mainly on Windows Server storage spaces?
- FAT32
- NTFS
- ReFS (correct answer)
- exFAT
ReFS (Resilient File System) focuses on data integrity and resiliency. NTFS is the standard Windows desktop file system; FAT32/exFAT are used for removable media.
3. Which file system natively supports file permissions and encryption (EFS) on Windows?
- FAT32
- exFAT
- NTFS (correct answer)
- ext4
NTFS supports permissions, encryption (EFS), compression and journaling. FAT32/exFAT lack permissions.
4. Which file system is BEST for a 128 GB USB drive that must hold files larger than 4 GB and work on Windows and macOS?
- FAT32
- exFAT (correct answer)
- NTFS
- ext4
exFAT handles large files and is read/write on Windows and macOS. FAT32 caps files at 4 GB.
5. Which file attribute prevents a file from being changed or deleted accidentally?
- The hidden attribute
- The read-only attribute (correct answer)
- The archive attribute
- The system attribute
The read-only attribute blocks edits/overwrites (until removed). Hidden conceals; archive flags for backup; system marks OS files.
6. A PC boots slowly because too many programs launch at login. Where do you disable them fastest in Windows?
- The Device Manager
- Task Manager → Startup tab (correct answer)
- The Disk Management tool
- The Event Viewer
Task Manager's Startup tab lists and disables login startup apps (with impact rating). This trims boot time without uninstalling anything.