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Difference Between OST and PST
OST and PST are the data files used to store emails, attachments, contacts, notes, and other data using Microsoft Outlook. OST files are used to interact with the Exchange Server while offline. PST files are used to store data on your local computer. OST files are created when you configure Outlook to work in caching exchange mode. PST files are created when you create a new Outlook data file.
Read this article to find out more about OST and PST and how they are different from each other.
What is OST?
OST files are file formats used by Microsoft Outlook to allow users to work offline and have their changes synchronised with the Exchange server when they reconnect to the network. OST files are also called "offline storage Offine Storage Table. OST files are created automatically whenever users set up an Exchange account in Microsoft Outlook. It is saved on the user's computer and is used to store a local copy of the user's mailbox data.
OST files are used in two scenarios: with Microsoft Exchange Server's cached exchange mode and when accessing Hotmail mail via the Outlook Connector for Windows Live Hotmail. Most accounts use OST files to allow users to access their emails while they are offline.
Users who travel frequently or have intermittent network connectivity will find OST files especially useful because they can continue to work with their mailbox data even when they are not connected to the server. Furthermore, OST files can help reduce network traffic by allowing users to access their mailbox data locally rather than downloading it from the server each time they connect.
What is PST?
PST stands for Personal Storage Table. PST files are commonly used for archiving and backup. Users can create PST files to save copies of their email, contacts, and other data, either to free up space on the Exchange Server or to back up their data in the event of server failure or other issues.
PST files are essentially databases that contain all of the information associated with an Outlook account. They are made up of a series of tables that contain information about the account's various components, such as email messages, contacts, and calendar entries. These tables are indexed to facilitate data searching and retrieval.
PST files are used to store data in a small space. It is stored locally on your computer instead of taking up space on the email servers. The extension of the PST file will be.pst. It can be secured with a password to prevent unauthorised access. The location where the PST file is saved varies based on the Outlook and Windows versions.
All versions of Outlook use the PST file, which has different size limits. PST files are classified into two types: ANSI and UNICODE. Outlook 2000 and 2002 were saved in ANSI format, and their sizes can be up to 2 GB. Outlook 2003 and 2007 save PST files in UNICODE format and up to 20 GB in size. Outlook 2010, 2013, 2016, and 2019 have a maximum file size of 50 GB.
Difference between OST and PST
The following table highlights the major differences between OST and PST: −
Characteristics |
OST |
PST |
|---|---|---|
Definition |
OST files are used to interact with the Exchange Server while offline. |
PST files are used to store data on your local computer. |
Creation |
OST files are created when you configure Outlook to work in caching exchange mode. |
PST files are created when you create a new Outlook data file. |
File Size |
Due to synchronization, the file size is large. |
Due to synchronization, the file size is small. |
Backup |
Backups will be taken automatically. |
Need to take backup manually |
Secure |
It is more secure due to the presence of encryption. |
Due to data files stored on a local computer, it is less secure. |
Usage |
It is used in Exchange Server environments. |
It is used in non-Exchange Server environments. |
Data Access |
OST allows offline access to previously downloaded data files such as emails, contacts, notes, and other data. |
PST allows you to archive old emails, contacts, and notes. |
Conclusion
In a nutshell, PST files are used for archiving and backup purposes. OST files are used for offline access to data stored on an Exchange server. OST files are stored on the user's computer and synchronise changes with the server. PST files can be stored locally or remotely and do not support synchronisation. PST files are limited in size, whereas OST files are not.
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