Final answer:
Formatting a disk involves preparing it for data retrieval by setting up a file system. It allows for efficient saving and retrieval of files. The process typically erases existing data to create a clean slate for the new file system.
Step-by-step explanation:
Formatting a disk for storage refers to the process of preparing a disk to store data by establishing a file system. During formatting, the storage device is structured and organized so that files can be saved and retrieved efficiently. File systems such as NTFS, FAT32, or exFAT are examples of how the data could be managed on a disk.
The correct answer to the question is A) Preparing a disk for data retrieval. When formatting a hard drive, as shown with the silver disk and thin stylus described in Figure 12.28, the hard disk drive (HDD) is setup with a file system that acts as an index, allowing the stylus (read/write head) to quickly locate and access the data on the disk.
While formatting often deletes all data on the disk, this is a byproduct of the process, not the primary intention. The primary goal is to create the necessary data structures for file storage and retrieval. It is not simply deleting data, arranging files, or cleaning the disk's surface.