I.T. - Formatting

Formatting

1) What is formatting?
Formatting is setting up a disk (any kind) to receive information. When a disk is initialized (formatted), its magnetic media is divided into tracks and sectors, and structure files that your computer uses to keep track of data are created

2.) Why do we format disks?
We format disks because in order to operate properly new disks must be formatted. Disks are organized as a series of compartments, called sectors, into which information is written and from which it is recalled. When you first take a new disk there is nothing at all recorded on it and before it may be used, the sectors must be magnetically marked out on the surface of the disk. Formatting is analogous to drawing lines on a piece of paper before writing on it.