"We take file systems for granted. We work on computers that give us access to printers, cameras, databases, remote sensors, telescopes, compilers, and mobile phones. These devices share few characteristics--indeed, many of them became a reality only after the Internet became universal (for example, cameras and mobile phones that combine the functions of small computers). However, they all need file systems of some type to store and order data securely.
"Typically, we don't really ask how the data, the applications consuming it, and the interfaces presenting the data to us are stored on the computers themselves. Most users would (not unjustifiably) regard a file system as the wall separating them from the bare metal storing bits and bytes. And the protocol stacks connecting file systems usually remain black boxes to most users and, indeed, programmers. Ultimately, however, internetworking all these devices amounts to enabling communication between file systems..."
