Before Windows NT 3.1 released, Microsoft invented two file systems: FAT (File Allocation Table) based on MS-DOS and Windows, and High Performance File System (HPFS) used in OS/2 operating system. As Windows NT coming to the market, Microsoft needed a new file system to support the security and reliability of NT. FAT and HPFS obviously were born to have defects in this. After deliberation, the design team decided to create a brand-new file system with good tolerance and security - NTFS (New Technology File System). From Windows NT 3.1 to Windows 2000/XP, NTFS was being developed unceasingly. Compared with FAT and HPFS, besides the enviable performance features and backward compatibility, NTFS also becomes the first file system that provides sound file service for high server and Intel workstation family.

From the very beginning, NTFS is set for enterprise file system. In order to reduce data loss by sudden power cut or system collapsing, the file system should always guarantee the integrity of metadata in file system. In order to protect the sensitive data from illegal visit, there should be a comprehensive security model in file system; In order to protect the user data, the file system should provide inexpensive data redundancy plan based on software instead of expensive one based on hardware.

High-level features of NTFS

1. Multi-data streams
2. Name based on Unicode
3. General index mechanism
4. The dynamic bad cluster reprints maps
5. Supports POSIX
6. File compression
7. File encrypts
8. Disk quota
9. Hard link and soft link
10. Link tracks
11. Log records
12. Fragmentation

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