Which component acts as a table of contents for a disk?

The correct choice is the File Allocation Table (FAT). This component serves as a crucial organizational structure that maintains a record of where files are stored on a disk. The FAT functions similarly to a table of contents by mapping the locations of files and their respective sectors, ensuring that the operating system can efficiently locate and access them.

When a file is created, the FAT is updated to indicate which sectors or blocks on the disk contain that file. This enables quick retrieval, as the system can reference the FAT to find out where the file starts and how it spans across the disk. In essence, the FAT allows the system to manage the storage space effectively, keeping track of which areas are occupied and which are free.

Understanding the role of the File Allocation Table is fundamental in grasping how disks organize and manage data, making it an essential concept in the study of information systems.