Lab: Importance of the Filesystem - Understanding How It Organizes and
Protects Data
Objective
Students will explore the role of the filesystem in organizing and protecting data on
storage devices. The lab aims to provide insights into how filesystems manage data,
ensure security, and enable efficient access, while emphasizing their importance in
operating systems.
Equipment/Tools Needed
Computer with Linux installed (physical or virtual machine)
Tools for filesystem exploration (ls, stat, chmod, chown, etc.)
Internet access for research
Word processor for documentation
Content
1. Introduction
o Overview of the filesystem as a critical component of an operating
system.
o Explanation of how filesystems store, retrieve, and secure data.
2. Research Component
Students will investigate:
o Functions of a Filesystem:
Organizing data in hierarchical structures.
Storing metadata (permissions, timestamps, ownership).
Managing space allocation and fragmentation.
o Data Protection:
File permissions and access controls.
Journaling to protect against data corruption.
Encryption and integrity checks for sensitive data.
o Examples of Common Filesystems:
ext4, xfs, NTFS, FAT.
o Importance of Filesystems:
Preventing data loss during crashes.
Enabling fast access and search operations.
Supporting advanced features like snapshots and compression.
3. Hands-On Component
o Explore the filesystem structure using commands like ls, tree, and du.
o Examine file metadata using stat.
o Test file and directory permissions with chmod and chown.
o Simulate a data corruption scenario and observe the role of journaling
in recovery.
o Enable and test basic encryption for a directory or file system (e.g.,
using ecryptfs).
4. Key Deliverables
o A written report (200–300 words) explaining the functions and
importance of filesystems in data management and protection.
o A task log documenting commands and observations during the hands-
on component.
o A reflection on the role of filesystems in maintaining data integrity and
security.
5. Activity Process
o Step 1: Research the role and functions of filesystems in operating
systems.
o Step 2: Perform hands-on tasks to explore and test filesystem
capabilities.
o Step 3: Compile findings into a report and task log.
o Step 4: Reflect on the importance of filesystems in organizing and
protecting data.
Rubric
Criteria Excellent (5) Good (4) Fair (3) Poor (1-2)
Minimal
Thorough research Good research Limited
Research research or
with credible with minor research;
Quality lack of
sources cited. omissions. sources unclear.
sources.
Task Log Comprehensive and Accurate with Basic and Poorly
well-documented partially documented
Criteria Excellent (5) Good (4) Fair (3) Poor (1-2)
commands and
minor omissions. incomplete. or missing.
outputs.
Demonstrates clear Demonstrates
Hands-On Basic Minimal or
understanding good
Exploratio understanding unclear tasks
through thorough understanding
n of tasks. performed.
tasks. with minor gaps.
Clear, insightful, and Basic Unclear or
Clear with minor
Report well-supported understanding, lacks strong
gaps in reasoning.
analysis. lacks depth. reasoning.
Basic Unclear or
Insightful and well- Clear with minor
Reflection understanding, lacks
articulated. gaps in insight.
lacks depth. significance.
