[NTLUG:Discuss] Large file systems

[Robert Pearson]

On 7/30/06, . Daniel <xdesign at hotmail.com> wrote:
> I have MacOSX machines.  I have Linux (mostly) and I, on occasion, need to
> use Windows XP.
>
> I don't mind having to load a driver file onto Windows boxen as I suspect
> that's what I'll have to do.  But of all the file systems out there, which
> is the most universally readable by WindowsXP, Linux and MacOSX?
>
> The purpose of my query is because I'm trying to decide what format I
> should use on my external backup data drive.

How is your external backup hard drive connected? NFS, USB, FireWire?

Wayne's recommendation of FAT32 is what I use on my USB external
backup hard drives. It was all I understood at the time.

To me there are three ways to go depending on how much effort you
want to put into it and what you plan to use it for.
1) FAT32 - on external hard drive only - Simplest, easiest, most limiting.
2) Samba - will be able to read/write between all platforms. Most versatile.
3) NFS - requires installing "Windows Services for UNIX" on Windows.

NFS is just as versatile as Samba but not in as wide spread use in Personal
Computing, SOHOs and small to medium SMBs.
Installing Samba causes you to acquire Samba skills which can be useful.
Samba is in widespread use in the Personal Computing, SOHOs and small
to medium SMBs. There are some large SMBs and Enterprise installations
of Samba at the workgroup level. We installed it before we knew or heard
about "Windows Services for UNIX". If it ain't broke don't fix it kept it
running.

Most people go with 1) or 2) depending on their needs and time available.