What does the acronym "FAT" stand for in file systems?

The acronym "FAT" stands for File Allocation Table, which is a crucial component of many file systems, particularly older ones like FAT12, FAT16, and FAT32 used in various operating systems. The File Allocation Table serves as a map that keeps track of the allocation of space on a storage medium, such as a hard drive or flash drive.

When files are stored on a device, the FAT records where each file is located in terms of clusters (the smallest unit of disk storage). This allows the operating system to efficiently locate, read, and write files. The structure of the FAT also helps in managing free space on the disk, facilitating file storage and retrieval processes.

Understanding the role of the File Allocation Table is essential in forensic investigations and data recovery, as it provides key insights into how data is organized on a disk and helps reconstruct deleted or lost files by examining the allocation status.