Final answer:
NTFS and Ext4 file systems are known to store data efficiently with minimal wasted hard drive space, especially for users managing 100 GB. The specific needs and operating system used can also affect which file system is most efficient.
Step-by-step explanation:
The student has asked which file system stores data most efficiently with the least amount of wasted hard drive space. When considering file systems and their efficiency in utilizing disk space, we must look at the file system structure, the cluster size, and how it manages small files. File systems like NTFS, exFAT, and Ext4 are designed to handle large volumes of data efficiently, but they each have their characteristics and advantages.
NTFS, which stands for New Technology File System, is used by Windows operating systems and is known for its high performance, efficient management of space, support for large files and volumes, and for having small cluster sizes, which helps to minimize wasted space when storing files. However, more modern file systems like ext4, which is used in Linux, also offer efficient data storage with even smaller allocation units and advanced features such as delayed allocation to reduce fragmentation.
Ultimately, the file system that will be most efficient for a user may depend on the specific types of files they are storing and the operating system they are using. For those managing 100 GB of data, using file systems with features such as journaling, extensive meta-data, and robust error checking, like NTFS or Ext4, can prove to be more beneficial in terms of efficient space utilization.