Questions on Size,Size on Disk, and NTFS in Win2k

[igowerf]

I'm new to Windows 2000 so bare with me, please. When I right click on a file and look at it's properties, the dialog box gives me two file sizes: Size and Size on Disk. I noticed that my files are taking up much more disk space than they're supposed to. I assume this is what SiSoft Sandra refers to as "slack space"? I have a basic understanding of FAT32, and it seems like A LOT of space is wasted, especially when there are a lot of small files. Will converting to NTFS help any?
Also, if I convert to NTFS, will I still be able to share files over a network with Win98 machines? I'm worried that Win98 machines won't be able to "see" the files.
Finally, I have two hard drives in my system. One drive is strictly for files and documents. The other drive has the Windows installation and my program installations. If I do use NTFS, should I convert both drives or just one?
Thanks a lot.

 

[Pariah]

"Will converting to NTFS help any?"

Yes, quite a bit.

"Also, if I convert to NTFS, will I still be able to share files over a network with Win98 machines?"

Yes, you will.

"NTFS, should I convert both drives or just one?"

If you only use win2k on the machine, convert both. If you dual boot, you shouldn't convert either.

 

[potz]

i agree with pariah. one thing to keep in mind is that it's easier to recover data from a fat32 partition in case things mess up.

 

[SUOrangeman]

When accessing files across a network, filesystems are transparent. You'll never know if its FAT, NTFS, Samba, NFS, etc.

-SUO