What is WinFS

Not a file system but something..else

from JoeUser Forums
WinFS is not, contrary to what some say, a file system.

Instead, it's a SQL based layer that sits on top of NTFS. Simply put, NTFS is a terrific file system. But what it needs is a modern, state of the art way for people to organize their programs and data so that users aren't having to dig through gigabytes of data to find things.

It turns your local hard drives into one big SQL database (okay, that's a bit of an oversimplification but you get the idea). And if you have Microsoft's server on that has WinFS support, you could potentially be able to find data quickly across your enterprise.

WinFS is not currently available but is scheduled to be released sometime after Longhorn and be available for Windows XP as well.
winfs
13,165 views 29 replies
Reply #1 from JoeUser Forums Top
you know, I don't know the specifics about this but I always thought that if it is going to be sort of like SQL for files, why is it so hard to implement? Don't we have all sorts of apps that use PL/SQL to access the data from the database? Plus with XAML, wouldn't it be all the more easier to come with a interface like the current folder vew to see files and give permissions to it?

I am guessing that it is the user interface that is the problem for Microsoft. The ease of flow and speed of the database and interaction of the user interface probably is what is holding them up... maybe.

Why do you think WinFS is going to be shipped after and how exaclty ould we install such a file system after already using the current one on our computers for the first some odd months before WinFS ships?
Reply #2 from WinCustomize Forums Top
I'm sure there is many issues on conversion between NTFS and WINFS. Say, if you open a file using WINFS, it will have to know where it is in NTFS terms.

I guess support for older programs may be an issue too.
Multiplicity - Control multiple PCs using one keyboard and mouse
Reply #3 from WinCustomize Forums Top
Why do you think WinFS is going to be shipped after and how exaclty ould we install such a file system after already using the current one on our computers for the first some odd months before WinFS ships?


WinFS does not replace NTFS, it will lay ontop of it. Thay is why you will be able to use it on XP as well. Without formatting anything.

WinFS will be shipped later because the work and difficulties to make it would cause further delay in the release of Longhorn. However, it's said that Longhorn will be shipped with WinFS in a beta stage witch you can enable if you like.
Reply #5 from WinCustomize Forums Top
I bet WIN FS will be added to a future SP and you'll be forced to download it and use it if you want any more updates from Redmond.
Reply #6 from WinCustomize Forums Top
As long as it's transparent and querying gets integrated into Explorer (the file manager) it's going to be good. The current hierachical method of organising files is way too limited for my tastes.
Reply #7 from WinCustomize Forums Top
Will WinFS eliminate the need to defragment the hard drive?

Since it's layered on top of NTFS I don't think so no.

I bet WIN FS will be added to a future SP and you'll be forced to download it and use it if you want any more updates from Redmond.

You don't want WinFS when it comes?
Reply #10 from WinCustomize Forums Top
Nope. Just don't need it. For me NTFS is enough. At least until I switch to Linux for good.
Reply #11 from WinCustomize Forums Top
For me NTFS is enough


It's not about the filesystem - it's more to do with organising your files and being freed from the folder/flie paradigm.

In my case to make up a (realisitic!) example if I have a picture of a damaged part from a piece of equipment that a particular customer owns at a particular site... Right now I have to choose if I sort by file type (picture rather than text), or part type, or customer (other customers have this part also), or location (this part is present at a number of locations). If I want it at all places that means 4 copies!

I envisage WinFS will allo me to setup 'virtual' structures under each category that would lead me to my desired file in each case with a minimum of effor.

The above is totally independant of whether it's NTFS, Ext2/3, FAT or JFS and regardless of OS. It wouldn't help to use Linux for the above example because it suffers the same limits of file organisation AFAIK.

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Reply #12 from WinCustomize Forums Top
It's not about the filesystem - it's more to do with organising your files and being freed from the folder/flie paradigm.


I am QUITE happy with the current folder/file system - I know where everything is on my system and have NO problem finding my files or organizing them.
Reply #13 from WinCustomize Forums Top
Yes, but MS isn't going to cater to just you now are they?

I am QUITE happy with the current ...


Careful! You'e sounding like Brad's definition of an OS zealot there...

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Reply #14 from WinCustomize Forums Top
Oh I'm no zealot. That would take to much of my energy! I simply don't want to use WinFS. But then again I don't use SP2 either.
Reply #15 from WinCustomize Forums Top
Ok, you don't feel the need for WinFS. That's fair enought.
But why don't you install SP2 which caps a high number of security holes? Why would you wan't your computer more exposed than it has to?
Reply #16 from WinCustomize Forums Top
Why do I not choose to install SP2?

Several reasons. Most of what SP2 installs are the new security center and the firewall. I already have a good hardware firewall and plenty of AV protection as well as plenty of anti-spyware protection.

But the bigget reason I do not install SP2 is because it slows my PC down to a crawl literally. On a fresh install of XP with SP2 loaded my PC takes close to 3 minutes to boot (normally 35 seconds) and every program I open takes ages to load. Not to mention SP2 loads new processes that zap my memory.

No thanks!!
Reply #17 from WinCustomize Forums Top
kona, have you even tried a slipstream install of XPSP2? its not just new security features thats in SP2 lots of bug fixes, that there was quite alot that got fixed in it for me which I suffered with SP1.

I am really looking forward to these new features. Anything to make it better.
Reply #18 from WinCustomize Forums Top
And SP2 had alot better support for wireless devices. I really found that nice since we desided to go for a wireless network in my house.
Reply #19 from WinCustomize Forums Top
Voo - I tried SP2 for more than a day. I got sick of waiting for windows to load and waiting for programs to start. I am currently using XP with SP1. For some reason I can't do a slipstream of my copy of XP. I will not copy from the CD-ROM to the hard drive. And I've tried EVERY trick and then some to get it to do so.
Reply #20 from WinCustomize Forums Top
The problem with the SP2 update is that you have to take the time to go back and re-tweak everything that you tweaked before to make it run like speedy Gonzalez. I have that there ugly SP2 update, after tweaking (you know the usual aesthetic and organizational setting, my system loads up in a mere 37.5 seconds, not including the time I take to input my password. If you have a legit copy of XP, I would think that you would want all of the bundle MS calls Windows XP so that you are not missing some part of the whole. The firewall isn't all that much, but if you get the OneCare Beta, that firewall becomes a lot more formiddable and configurable.
Reply #21 from JoeUser Forums Top
WinFS does not replace NTFS, it will lay ontop of it.


sorta like how ms got the apple gui to lay on top of dos.

'that thing balances on your head
just like a mattress balances on a bottle of wine.
your brand-new leopardskin pillbox hat'
Reply #22 from WinCustomize Forums Top
here's a nice post that might help out a bit i found it rather useful
Link

*warning though - there are lots of screenshots in it*
Reply #23 from WinCustomize Forums Top
I simply don't want to use WinFS


Fine. Then why are you using New Technology File System (NTFS)? Why not FAT32? What's the problem with that one?
Actually WindowsXP runs faster on NTFS rather than FAT32. Isn't it?
I think Microsoft's latest OS will run better on Windows Future Storage (WinFS). So, it would be essential with the full release of Vista.
Reply #24 from JoeUser Forums Top
sorta like how ms got the apple gui to lay on top of dos.


Or Apple got the Xerox GUI to lay over theirs?
Reply #25 from WinCustomize Forums Top
Hi,

WinFS is imho a truly interesting structure. I've came upon an info source where you can find much useful info on it. If you wish, you can also give it a glance.
http://www.ntfs.com/