ext3 (third extended file system)

Ext3, or the third extended file system, is a type of file system commonly used in Linux operating systems to manage how data is stored and accessed on disks. It improves upon its predecessor (ext2) by adding features like journaling, which helps prevent data loss by keeping track of changes before they are made. This means if the system crashes, it can recover more easily. Ext3 also allows for larger files and volumes, making it suitable for various applications, from personal computers to servers. It's reliable and was widely used before newer file systems were developed.