Hash file system and method for use in a commonality factoring system

摘要

A system for a computer file system that is based and organized upon hashes and/or strings of digits of certain, different or changing lengths (304) and which is capable of eliminating or screening redundant copies of aggregate blocks of data (or parts of data blocks) from the system. The hash file system of the present invention utilizes hash values (310) for computer files or file pieces (306) which may be produced by a checksum generating program, engine, or algorithm such as industry standard MD4, MD5, SHA or SHA-1 algorithms. Alternatively, the hash values may be generated (308) by a checksum program, engine, or algorithm or other means that produces an effectively unique hash value for a block of data of indeterminate size based upon a mathematical algorithm.