The Windows NTFS (New Technology File System) is a proprietary file system developed by Microsoft for use on its Windows operating system. It is a widely-used file system that is known for its support for large files and robust security features.
The NTFS file system uses a hierarchical structure to organize and store files on a hard drive or other storage device. At the top of the hierarchy is the root directory, which contains subdirectories and files. Each file and directory is represented by a record in the Master File Table (MFT), which is a special system file that contains metadata about the files and directories on the file system.
The MFT contains a record for each file and directory on the file system, including the file's name, size, creation date, and location on the hard drive. It also contains pointers to the file's data, which is stored in clusters on the hard drive.
In addition to the MFT, the NTFS file system also includes a special system file called the $logfile. The $logfile is used to record changes to the file system, such as the creation or deletion of a file or directory. This allows the file system to recover from errors or corruption, and can also be used for forensic purposes to track changes to the file system.
One of the key features of the NTFS file system is its support for security features, such as file and folder permissions and encryption. These features allow users to control access to files and folders, and can help to protect sensitive data from unauthorized access.
Overall, the NTFS file system is a widely-used and robust file system that provides a range of features for organizing and storing files, as well as security features to protect data. The MFT and $logfile are important components of the NTFS file system, as they play a crucial role in the organization and management of files and the recovery of the file system.
