Final Answer:
A file system needs to keep track of file metadata (like file names, sizes, timestamps, and permissions) and the physical location of data on the storage device.
Step-by-step explanation:
A file system serves as an organizational structure for storing and retrieving data on a storage device like a hard drive or SSD. It must maintain file metadata, including crucial details like file names, sizes, timestamps (creation, modification, access), and permissions (read, write, execute). This metadata is essential for the operating system to manage and access files effectively.
Moreover, a file system must also track the physical location of data on the storage medium. It does so by managing data structures like an index or table that maps file names to their corresponding locations on the disk. This process involves maintaining allocation tables, pointers, or clusters that indicate where each file's data is stored, ensuring efficient retrieval and modification.
For instance, in a traditional file allocation table (FAT) system, a table stores entries for each file, indicating the clusters or blocks where the file's data is located. These entries hold information about which sectors or blocks are allocated to specific files, facilitating quick access to the stored data.
Overall, the file system's dual responsibility of managing file metadata and tracking data locations ensures organized storage, efficient retrieval, and secure access to files on the storage device.