FAT32 is a new technology to save you disk space. Why not convert your hard disk now? It's one of the biggest enhancements you can make to your Windows 98-based computer.

Drive Converter is a Windows 98 system tool that does the conversion quickly and easily. It converts a computer drive from the standard File Allocation Table format (FAT or FAT16), which shipped with MS-DOS®and the original version of Windows 95, to FAT32, a more efficient system for storing files. You can convert your computer's hard disk and also removable disk drives. See Converting a drive to FAT32 to learn how.

The change should produce a 10 to 15 percent more efficient use of disk space. This is because FAT32 stores data in smaller clusters on your hard disk. As an analogy, consider the reduction in empty space when a large bin is filled with ping-pong balls compared to soccer balls. Similarly, storing data in smaller clusters allows tighter packing; more data fits onto the same disk drive.

This tool effects a one-time change. Once run, your hard disk will be permanently converted to FAT32 data storage.

Note that if your computer has a power-saving "hibernate" feature, you may lose this capability.

Terms:

File Allocation Table: A single file saved on a computer disk is not held in one place but is scattered, with small pieces distributed to different storage areas on the disk. A file allocation table is a list maintained by the operating system that keeps track of where these separate pieces of data are held. When a file is needed, the FAT allows the data to be linked together.