In computer science, with the term format, we mean a particular operation which permit to draw up a specific mass storage support, like for example a hard drive or a USB, in order to use it for storing all the data. In other words, we say to a specific mass storage support how it will have to manage file that will be created and stored by electing them among different File System.

One of the main reasons for which sometimes we use the format of a specific device or a specific mass storage support is to make usable again those devices after some malfunctioning caused by virus, or specific software problems that in any way have compromised the integrity of the device.

The format procedure virtually deletes al the data inside the same device, by making the device or the mass storage support as just bought. Consequently, before starting formatting a specific device it is important to save all the data, previously created, by a backup copy.

Compared to what you could think, when you format a device or a hard disk, it is not true that all the old data are not available anymore. The operating system knows that the space is occupied by files, and that it is available and so it can rewrite on. With a simple Data recovery software, you can restore your data, even if you have formatted the device months ago. Even if some portions of the disk will be rewritten, data recovery software can restore file, even in a case of partial rewritten.

SOURCE: FEDERPRIVACY