HP-UX 11i Internals

File System Concepts

Before we begin our study of the specifics of file systems and HP-UX, we need to spend a little time thinking about what a file system really is.

The Challenge

Since the beginning of computer operating systems, there has been a need to store program instructions and data in some type of nonvolatile memory so that they may be recalled and loaded into the system's RAM when needed. Very early systems stored information by punching patterns into paper tape or “keypunch” cards. This worked but was very slow and added the tasks of storage, collation, and labeling to the growing list of duties for the computer operator. When rotating magnetic storage mechanisms were first created (early cylindrical rotating drums evolved into flat ...