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Glite Dictionary
disk overhead

disk overhead

7.2
Space on a disk used to store information the computer needs, not your files
  • noun
  • Specialized
translation icon : sobrecarga de disco
  • When you format a new partition, some disk overhead is reserved for the file system.

Examples

  • The disk overhead on encrypted drives is often higher due to added security information.

  • Many systems have a high disk overhead due to fragmentation.

  • Reducing disk overhead can free up more space for actual data storage.

  • The disk overhead can affect overall performance.

  • Reducing disk overhead can free up more space for actual data storage.

  • The disk overhead on encrypted drives is often higher due to added security information.

  • When you format a new partition, some disk overhead is reserved for the file system.

Synonyms

overhead
vsdisk overhead
  • Specialized
5 6.2

Extra computer time or space needed to run a program

is disk space used to store management data about data location and timing

How Much

disk overhead
  • Specialized
7.2
overhead
  • Specialized
5 6.2

Surface Forms

disk overhead singular
disk overheads plural
disks overhead plural

Morphology

disk + overhead

The sense of extra storage used for management is directly composed from 'disk' (storage device) and 'overhead' (extra resources/costs), so the basic meaning — non-user data taking up disk space — is predictable from the constituents. Although technical details (metadata, filesystem structures) require specialist knowledge, the core compositional relation is transparent to a learner who knows both words.

Etymology

Disk overhead comes from thinking of a disk as a place to store files and overhead as extra space above the main items, like shelves for maps and notes that help you find things. So, disk overhead means 'space used for information the system needs, not your files'.