Definition: Cluster


Cluster is a basic allocation unit on a hard drive. It is a group of contiguous sectors. The cluster size (number of sectors per cluster) varies with the storage media and is fixed at time of format. At least one cluster is allocated to each file, regardless of the file's size, that is stored in the DOS environment.




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Fragmented

In parts. A fragmented file does not have its content stored sequentially on the media. The files content may be stored in small segments scattered over an area of the disk. The file system keeps track of where one the media the data is stored and the user will normally not notice that a file is fragmented. Fragmentation is common on hard drives, but usually data is stored sequentially on tape.

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