System and method for worm volume management of new and updated data files using variable threshold block addresses

摘要

A computer system and method for efficiently managing Write Once Read Mostly (WORM) volumes on mass optical storage devices are disclosed. A configuration menu asks the user to enter a threshold percentage from 1-100%. The threshold percentage is multiplied by the volume size to determine a threshold block address. New files are written sequentially to the WORM volume up to but not exceeding the threshold block address, unless a threshold override indicator is enabled. Space on the WORM volume between the threshold block address and the end of the WORM volume is reserved for updated files. Updated files can be stored anywhere on the WORM volume, including above the threshold block address. Reserving space for updated files on a WORM volume allows more updated files to be stored on the same WORM volume as original files, and reduces the number of optical disks required to be read. The threshold percentage can be modified by the user at any time desired