Filesystem type.

Forum: Other Help Topics
Topic: Filesystem type.
started by: Zucca

Posted by Zucca on Sep. 24 2006,13:05

I have almost finished my DSL server project to first actual relase.
But but. There's one thing I'd like to solve. I want to use my external USB HD with it.

I have One external USB HD. It has only one partition formatted to FAT32. Ok IMO FAT sucks. So what filesystem type would be the best choice for a storage HD that must be compatible with windows machines also?

Is it a good idea to format it to two partitions and first partition to FAT32 with size enough to include Linux filesystem drivers for windows?

I need opinions. ;)

Posted by mikshaw on Sep. 24 2006,14:51

If you want it to be compatible (readable/writeable) with both Windows and DSL, the only choice is fat.

My personal belief is that including filesystem drivers just so you can access files in Windows is adding unnecessary complexity to your situation. Since a portable DSL runs from RAM and a mounted cloop, the filesystem on which the KNOPPIX file resides is not terribly important. The filesystem *does* become important when 1) you want to boot something other than fat or ext, or 2) you want to store uncompressed files while keeping file ownerships and permissions.