Ost vs. PST

Attribute	Ost	PST
Time Zone	Eastern European Time (EET)	Pacific Standard Time (PST)
Geographical Location	Eastern Europe	West Coast of North America
Daylight Saving Time	Observed	Observed
Offset from UTC	+2 hours	-8 hours

Introduction

OST (Outlook Data File) and PST (Personal Storage Table) are two file formats used by Microsoft Outlook to store email messages, contacts, calendar items, and other data. While both formats serve similar purposes, they have distinct attributes that set them apart. In this article, we will compare the attributes of OST and PST files to help you understand their differences and choose the right format for your needs.

Storage Location

One of the key differences between OST and PST files is their storage location. OST files are stored on the user's computer and are synchronized with the Exchange server. This means that changes made to an OST file while offline will be updated on the server once the user reconnects to the internet. On the other hand, PST files are typically stored locally on the user's computer or on a network drive. This allows users to access their data even when they are not connected to the server.

Accessibility

Another important attribute to consider when comparing OST and PST files is accessibility. OST files are designed to be used with an Exchange account and are not meant to be accessed independently. This means that if the Exchange server is unavailable, users may not be able to access their data stored in an OST file. In contrast, PST files can be accessed without an internet connection, making them a more versatile option for users who need to access their data offline.

Backup and Recovery

When it comes to backup and recovery, PST files have a clear advantage over OST files. Since PST files are stored locally, users can easily create backups of their data by copying the file to an external drive or cloud storage. In the event of a system failure or data loss, users can simply restore their data from the backup copy of the PST file. On the other hand, OST files are more difficult to backup and recover since they are synchronized with the Exchange server and cannot be easily copied or moved.

Size Limitations

OST and PST files also have different size limitations that users need to be aware of. PST files have a maximum size limit of 20 GB for Outlook 2007 and earlier versions, and 50 GB for Outlook 2010 and later versions. Once the file reaches this limit, users may experience performance issues or data corruption. In contrast, OST files do not have a size limit imposed by Outlook, but the Exchange server may have its own limitations on the size of OST files that can be synchronized.

Security

Security is another important attribute to consider when choosing between OST and PST files. PST files are stored locally on the user's computer, which means that they are more vulnerable to security threats such as malware or unauthorized access. On the other hand, OST files are synchronized with the Exchange server, which provides an additional layer of security by encrypting the data in transit. This makes OST files a more secure option for users who are concerned about protecting their data.

Compatibility

Compatibility is also a key factor to consider when comparing OST and PST files. PST files can be opened and accessed by any version of Outlook, making them a versatile option for users who need to share their data with others. OST files, on the other hand, are tied to a specific Exchange account and may not be compatible with other versions of Outlook or email clients. This can make it difficult for users to access their data if they switch to a different email platform.

Conclusion

In conclusion, OST and PST files have distinct attributes that make them suitable for different purposes. OST files are ideal for users who need to access their data while offline and want the convenience of automatic synchronization with the Exchange server. PST files, on the other hand, are better suited for users who prioritize backup and recovery options, as well as compatibility with different versions of Outlook. By understanding the differences between OST and PST files, users can choose the format that best meets their needs and preferences.