Storage and Virtualization: Block Devices vs Filesystems
Explore the fundamentals of storage and virtualization. Learn the difference between block devices like Linux /dev/sda and filesystems in data infrastructure.
Meilleure citation de Storage and Virtualization: Block Devices vs Filesystems
The distinction between a block device and a filesystem is the foundation for everything else—once you grasp that a filesystem must reside on a block device, the 'alphabet soup' of NAS, SAN, and DAS starts to clear up.
Cette leçon audio a été créée par un membre de la communauté BeFreed
I want to learn about storage systems first, ssad hdd nas san iscsi fiber channel flash storage etc from very basic to core details. Then move to virtualisation core basics from os level and then to kubernetes and then to kubernetes based virtualisation like kvm etc
Foire aux questions
A block device represents the raw, unformatted space on a disk, such as a grid of empty sectors where data can live without organization. In contrast, a filesystem is a layer added on top of the block device to provide a familiar folder and file structure. While the block device acts like a warehouse without shelves, the filesystem handles the housekeeping by tracking which specific blocks hold your data.
In a Linux system, a block device is often represented as a handle like /dev/sda. This handle points to the physical hardware or raw storage space before any organizational structure is applied. Understanding this representation is a key part of managing server hardware and data infrastructure, as it allows administrators to identify the raw storage resources available before they are formatted with a specific filesystem for user access.
A filesystem is essential because it translates raw storage blocks into a usable format for software and users. Without a filesystem, you would have to request data by specific block numbers rather than by filename. The filesystem manages the organization of data, allowing you to easily retrieve files like photos or documents by remembering exactly which blocks on the underlying hardware contain the necessary pieces of information.
Découvrir plus
Data center development and policy
Data center development and policy
This learning plan is essential for professionals navigating the intersection of technology infrastructure and policy in our increasingly digital world. It's ideal for infrastructure engineers, cloud architects, policy makers, sustainability officers, and technology leaders who need to understand both the technical foundations and regulatory landscape of data centers. As organizations face growing pressure to balance digital transformation with environmental responsibility and regulatory compliance, this comprehensive knowledge becomes critical for strategic decision-making.
Study Linux kernel subsystems
Study Linux kernel subsystems
The Linux kernel powers billions of devices worldwide, from smartphones to supercomputers, making it one of the most critical software projects in existence. This learning path is designed for systems programmers, infrastructure engineers, and developers who want to understand how operating systems work at the deepest level or contribute to kernel development. Whether you're debugging performance issues, developing device drivers, or simply want to understand the foundation of modern computing, this structured progression builds the essential knowledge from fundamentals to advanced kernel internals.
Designing and Programming Software
Designing and Programming Software
This comprehensive path is designed for developers looking to transition from writing scripts to engineering robust, production-ready systems. It provides the essential bridge between basic syntax and complex architectural decision-making required in modern tech roles.
Programming
Programming
This comprehensive path bridges the gap between basic syntax and professional system architecture. It is ideal for aspiring developers who want to master both the practical skills of coding and the high-level design patterns used in top-tier tech companies.
DevOps
DevOps
As organizations transition to cloud-native environments, the ability to automate delivery and ensure system reliability has become a critical competitive advantage. This plan is ideal for software engineers and systems administrators looking to master the technical tools and cultural shifts required for modern IT operations.
Learn about storage and virtualisation
Learn about storage and virtualisation
As businesses shift toward cloud-native environments, mastering the intersection of physical storage and virtual abstraction is critical for modern IT professionals. This plan is ideal for systems engineers and architects looking to bridge the gap between traditional hardware and scalable container orchestration.
IT Admin: Storage, Virt, AI & Backup/Restore
IT Admin: Storage, Virt, AI & Backup/Restore
As organizations shift toward hybrid environments, IT administrators must bridge the gap between traditional hardware and modern cloud-native technologies. This path is designed for IT professionals looking to integrate AI-driven automation with core storage, virtualization, and data protection skills.
Improve tech and networking skills
Improve tech and networking skills
This comprehensive path bridges the gap between foundational programming and high-level system architecture. It is designed for aspiring engineers and IT professionals looking to master the full lifecycle of modern digital infrastructure, from code to cloud security.
Cree par des anciens de Columbia University a San Francisco
"Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."
"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."
"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."
"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."
"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."
"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."
"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."
"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."
"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"
"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."
"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."
"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"
Cree par des anciens de Columbia University a San Francisco
"Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."
"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."
"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."
"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."
"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."
"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."
"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."
"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."
"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"
"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."
"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."
"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"
"Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."
"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."
"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."
"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."
"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."
"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."
"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."
"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."
"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"
"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."
"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."
"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"
"Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."
"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."
"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."
"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."
"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."
"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."
"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."
"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."
"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"
"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."
"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."
"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"
