A disk file that saves space by storing only actual data in the sectors and not storing consecutive runs of non-data (nulls). When a file system supports sparse files, it saves meta-data about the file that indicates where the runs of non-data are located. The reported file size is always the size of the entire file. See null and file system.
 | Reproduced with permission from Computer Desktop Encyclopedia. Copyright (c) 1981-2009 The Computer Language Company Inc. All rights reserved. |
Additional Resources
- DMGConverter 5.2.0.6 (Mac)
- DMGConverter is a disk image (.dmg, .cdr, .iso) creation and conversion tool which is simple and easy to use. It is a very useful tool for the collective processing of more than one file and every folder, and it can deal with all the fundamental processing with the drag &...
- Software downloads 2009-09-26
- Mathusalem 1.6 (Mac)
- Mathusalem is a robust and unintrusive backup system, which can be used either as a System Preferences pane or directly as a command line tool. Mathusalem is complementary to Time Machine as it backups automatically one or more directories of your choice to remote servers in order ensure extra safety...
- Software downloads 2009-03-11
- No such thing as a free Linux distro
- No such thing as a free Linux distroWe need a new audit.Oh, not on Linux, on Windows 7. How much Open Source code has found its way into Microsoft's programing mill?Ideology versus practical useI prefer a distro that works well on my hardware, over an ideologically pure free distro...
- Discussion threads 2008-12-20
- Microsoft Research and their secret projects
- Over the years, Microsoft has dominated the marketplace with some ground breaking products. Not just Windows or Office, but spreading to the web, communications, education and research. But most people will know they work behind the scenes on seemingly insignificant stuff, that may or may not end up being the...
- Blog posts 2008-11-04
- Black Hat Las Vegas Day 2
- Again, sorry for the late updates. Vegas is the kind of place that demands a lot of a person. Too many parties make it difficult to find time to blog on the conference. Pictures of the even are a bit sparse, due to consistently forgetting to bring my camera, but...
- Blog posts 2008-08-09
- Samsung HT-X810T
- If the primary appeal of soundbar speakers is based on their significant reduction of wires and clutter--as compared with 5.1-channel home theater-in-a-box systems--then Samsung's new HT-X810T soundbar should be a winner. While it's not the first single-speaker system with a built-in DVD player or a wireless subwoofer--that'd be the Philips...
- Product reviews 2008-06-23
- MakeVM 1.6.5 (Windows)
- Create your own/edit existing Virtual Machine to play with VMWare R Player or other compatible virtualization software. Manage your virtual hardware settings, set new virtual hardware, including new virtual disks and hard disks 'clones': you may clone physical disks to VMDK or convert MS Virtual PC VHDs to VMDK. Migrate...
- Software downloads 2008-01-22
- Bridge It 1.1 (Windows)
- A stunning, beautiful world awaits as you design and build bridges. Can you solve the puzzles and avert disaster? Set in the picturesque surroundings of sparse deserts and dense forests it is your task to design and construct an engineering masterpiece. Watch in anticipation as unsuspecting motorists, heavy freight trains,...
- Software downloads 2008-01-14
- Microsoft LifeCam VX-7000
- Only regular users of Windows Live Messenger or Live Spaces bloggers should consider the Microsoft LifeCam VX-7000, and even then, I'd recommend Microsoft's cheaper laptop Webcam, the LifeCam NX-3000. At its list price of $99, the LifeCam VX-7000 cannot compete with Logitech's excellent $99 Webcam, the QuickCam Pro 9000. The...
- Product reviews 2007-11-12
- bitShifter 08Nov07 (Mac)
- bitShifter Secure documents on your iPod/FTP Server or similar with a super key. Just drag-and-drop your documents on bitShifters icon and bitShifter takes care of the rest. Distribute your super key from one Mac to another via .Mac. Features: 3 layers of security 1. Password as a concept is so...
- Software downloads 2007-11-07
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- The Microsoft LifeCam NX-3000 is an inexpensive, basic Webcam for laptops that delivers acceptable video quality and little else. The bundled LifeCam software is third-rate--we prefer the apps that Creative and Logitech bundle with their Webcams--although the design mirrors the Creative Live Cam Notebook Ultra, which we like. Not surprising...
- Product reviews 2007-10-19
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- Blog posts 2007-08-16
- Apple iWork '08
- The $79 iWork '08 appears to be a good deal for anyone needing an affordable office suite for the Mac. Apple has finally added a spreadsheet application. At first glance, Numbers is an elegant no-brainer for anyone migrating from Microsoft Excel. In the past, many Mac aficionados bought Microsoft Excel...
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- Software downloads 2007-04-11
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- Software downloads 2007-03-02
- Sorry, Bit Torrent-these legit content deals of yours are like farts in a blizzard
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- Software downloads 2007-02-06
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- Product reviews 2006-06-01
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