FAT is shortened for File Allocation Table and FAT 32 is an extension which means data will be stored in chunks of 32 bits.
NTFS is shortened for New Technology File system and is a superior version over FAT as the chief file system utilized in Windows OS based system.
Prior to the introduction of NTFS file system all the hard drives were partitioned with FAT 32 file system and there was no issue for making images at any time. When compared to NTFS, FAT 32 file system is older, but is simple and more readable from wide number of operating systems and can even be used on other external storage devices. For example if you want to access some files like videos, audios, images, etc. from external storage medium you need to use FAT 32 file system. Nevertheless, as it is an old technology, it was steadily substituted by NTFS file system since the launch of Windows XP operating system. However, in the current era majority of people are utilizing NTFS file system in their personal and business laptops or desktops.
Indeed before making a choice you need to know about their capacity and then decide what is right for you:
Feature |
FAT32 |
NTFS |
Maximum size of partition |
2TB |
2TB |
Max file name size |
8.3 characters |
255 characters |
Max file size |
4GB |
16TB |
Folder or file encryption |
NO |
YES |
Security |
Only Network |
Local and Network |
Compression |
NO |
Yes |
Conversion |
Possible |
Not Allowed |
Compatibility |
Win 95/98/2k/2k3/XP |
Win NT/2k/XP/Vista/7 |
Fault Tolerance |
No |
Auto Repair |
With the help of this short informative article you can easily compare the features; compatibility and capability of both FAT 32 and NTFS file system and decide yourself which file system is better.
However, in current era most of the users proceed towards conversion of FAT 32 file system to NTFS file system subsequently during this process if any sort of interruption occurs in between the process then they have to face large amount of data loss. If you come across any such situation then make use of Remo Recover software to recover your entire lost data and overcome from this issue. This tool can effortlessly recover files from FAT 16, FAT 32, NTFS, NTFS 5 or even from other file systems.