"32-bit file access FAQ" - читать интересную книгу автора (McCormick M.)

A: Without 32-bit file access, Windows has to perform every file access
through DOS and the underlying BIOS. This requires switching the CPU into
16-bit real mode. With 32-bit file access, Windows stays in control of
the file operation, executes in 32-bit protected mode, and uses its own
fast, internal file cache. [cf. WFWG Resource Kit Manual Addendum for 3.11]

Q1a: Why would you want to use 32-bit file access?

A: Performance. Combined with Windows internal caching (VCache), it
outperforms all previous caches (Smartdrv, Cacheclk, NCache, etc.)
on standard benchmarks. It even outperforms them running on a
comparatively smaller cache.

Q1b: Is it different than 32-bit disk access?

A1: 32-bit file and disk access are similar but different, which is a
source of confusion to users. 32-bit disk access (aka FastDisk) pre-dates
WFWG 3.11. It allows Windows to partially bypass BIOS, and remain in 386
protected mode while directly accessing the disk bus and remaining at CPU
speeds. It does less for performance (and is less likely to work on many
PCs) than 32-bit file access. It comes with its own set of problems, and
is NOT the subject of this FAQ!

A2: 32-bit file access does not require 32-bit disk access. (If it seems to
on your machine, see question Q8b.)

A3: 32-bit file access does not replace 32-bit disk access.

A4: "Any INT21H calls that are processed by VFAT are handled entirely in
protected mode. The performance increase obtained by 32-bit disk access
is now increased further with 32-bit file access." [WFWRKMA 3.11]

A5: If you have to choose between 32-bit file access and disk access
(see Q8c), choose 32-bit file access.

Q1c: Isn't 32-bit file access a Windows NT / 95 feature?

A: This is another source of confusion. ALL file access in Windows NT
and Windows 95 is 32-bit when possible. But in Windows for Workgroups,
32-bit file access is optional, and defaults to 16-bit even if your system
is capable of 32-bit. This FAQ is mainly about 32-bit file access in
Windows for Workgroups.

Q1d: Is it provided in all versions of Windows for Workgroups?

A: No. The early WFWG 3.1 release did not include 32-bit file access.
It was added in the more widely released WFWG 3.11.

Q2: What PCs can run 32-bit file access?