Which statement best describes the FAT12 file system?

The statement describing the FAT12 file system accurately identifies it as an early file system used by Microsoft, primarily known for its implementation on floppy disks. FAT12, which stands for File Allocation Table with a 12-bit addressing scheme, was developed in the late 1970s and became widely adopted for the management of files on floppy drives, especially in the context of MS-DOS systems.

FAT12 was designed to be simple, allowing for easy data retrieval and management, which was crucial during the time when floppy disks were the primary means of data storage and transfer. This file system laid the groundwork for later iterations, such as FAT16 and FAT32, and while it is considered outdated today, its influence is seen in modern file systems that derive principles from it.

The other options either misrepresent the historical context of FAT12 or do not align with its actual use and applications in computing history. The correct identification of FAT12's role highlights its importance in the development of file storage systems in early computing environments.