HFS+
Technology & Computing abbreviation · Computer
| Stands for | Hierarchical File System Plus |
|---|---|
| Categories | Technology & Computing |
HFS+ stands for Hierarchical File System Plus, a computer abbreviation.
Apple's main Mac file system from 1998 until APFS replaced it in 2017, shown in Disk Utility as Mac OS Extended. It survives on older Macs, hard-drive backups and early iPods.
Example: Disk Utility lists the old backup drive as Mac OS Extended (Journaled), which is HFS+.
Usage notes
Introduced with Mac OS 8.1, HFS+ succeeded the original HFS from 1985; a journaled version added in 2002 reduced corruption after crashes. Time Machine backups made before macOS Big Sur typically use it. Windows needs third-party drivers to read HFS+ drives, and Linux support for writing to them is limited.
Related abbreviations
More computer abbreviations
- Fn – Function key (modifier)
- GIGO – Garbage in, garbage out
- GPO – Group Policy Object
- GPT – GUID Partition Table
- GUI – Graphical user interface
- HCI – Human-computer interaction
- HPC – High-performance computing
- I/O – Input/output
- ICT – Information and communications technology
- IME – Input method editor
- Ins – Insert key
- IS – Information systems