Abbreviations MBR (master boot record) Y GPT (GUID participation table), represent two types of disk partitions or segmentations. Both segments represent a different way of organizing information on the hard drive.
When we want to install an operating system, namely, install information on our computers, we can choose between one of them and only then, give a greater utility to the equipment and take advantage of its performance by 100%.
GPT partition (GUID partition table)
It is part of the standards included by Intel, that replace old BIOS systems. In other words, the GPT or also called by the meaning of its acronym in English: GUID partition table, is a standard for placing partitioning or segmentation tables on a physical hard drive device.
It's important to put attention on It is the modern form of computers with operating systems of 64 bits.. In other words, only the GPT was adapted to this type of operating system. An operating system of 32 bits is able to read and write to this type of hard drive, but you will not be able to start the software once the computer is on.
From Windows Vista onwards, it is better to always use GPT partitions with operating systems of 64 bits.
MBR partition (Master Boot Record)
The meaning of its acronym in English is, Main boot record or to spanish Main boot record it is also a disk partition format, but much more archaic than GPT. The difference between these two partition models is that the MBR is compatible for all types of PC, that have different operating systems, whether they are from 64 bits o of 32 bits.
What's more, the MBR allows storage and at the same time has the function of booting the operating system from which it is being used. In other words, this type of partition also preserves other functions. For example, the identifier of individual disks.
Another of the most notable limitations presented by the MBR and GPT, is that the MBR has exclusively smaller capacities to handle disks of 2 TB and also allows 4 primary segmentations or partitions.
Differences and similarities between MBR and GPT
Here is a list of the differences and similarities of each:
Differences:
- The GPT was only adapted to operating systems of 64 bits. While MBR is fully functional in most other operating systems, including those of 64 bits y 32 bits.
- MBR has a boot function in the operating system. But the GPT doesn't have that quality.
- GPT permite 128 initial partition tables. However, the MBR simply allows 4 initial partitions.
- MBR can handle 2TB disks. However, GPT can handle disks with approximately 256 TB of storage.
Similarities:
- Both are models of hard disk physical device partitions.
Additional MBR and GPT data.
These two types of partitions highlight information that many users do not know. For example, the MBR is the oldest style and that is, was the first to be implemented in the mid 1983. However, despite more than 30 years of use, still used today. Unfortunately, over time, no longer provides sufficient capacity to manage the various tasks we perform on our computers.
Technology advances over the years, the same goes for user demands, getting stronger. With the advent of Windows 8, an innovative style of disk partitioning was born, like the GPT. Which can be compatible with operating systems of 64 bits. Slowly, this cool new partition will start the MBR scrolling.
