File system management

in computing, a file system cataloging structure which contains references to other computer files, and possibly other directories

process of preparing a data storage device for initial use

In the maintenance of file systems, defragmentation is a process that reduces the degree of fragmentation, files that are stored in multiple segments that are not contiguous on the storage medium. It does this by physically organizing the contents of the mass storage device used to store files into the smallest number of contiguous regions (fragments, extents). It also attempts to create larger regions of free space using compaction to impede the return of fragmentation.

contiguous, fixed-size block of sectors that some filesystems use as a unit of disk space allocation

inefficient, non-contiguous allocation of memory or storage space

condition where a segmented file system is used inefficiently

flexible method of allocating computer storage space to logical volumes

directory structure used by a Unix-like operating system