[NTLUG:Discuss] Format For External Storage

[Leroy Tennison]

On 02/26/2011 10:11 AM, Bobby Sanders wrote:
> Just purchased a new external HD to use solely for backup storage for my
> Linux computers.  It has tons of Windows crud on it.  I never use
> Windows, but some of the family does.  It will not be used to backup
> those machines, but there may come a time in the future when someone
> will need to access this device from a windoze machine.
>
> I need your advice and/or recommendations as to how to prepare this
> drive for its designated purpose.  Don't need "step by step"
> instructions just suggestions and reasons for what choices to make.  Of
> course, I could leave it "as is" and just start using it.
>
> Thanks,
>
> Bobby Sanders
>
> _______________________________________________
> http://www.ntlug.org/mailman/listinfo/discuss
>
I didn't see anyone address the "Windows crud" issue, if you want to 
save it "just in case" then dd followed by a backup to permanent media 
(CD/DVD) would be prudent.

A fundamental question to answer is how the Windows machines would 
access the data: across the network or as a local device.

Local Device options:

    * IF you own enough Windows licenses to be legal using NTFS on
      Linux, this might be the path of least resistance.
    * There are ext3 drivers for Windows but a quick check revealed
      mixed reviews, should probably do your own Internet search for
      "Windows ext3 driver" and see what you find before deciding to
      reformat with ext3.
    * FAT32 is a "lowest common denominator" option which might be
      suitable for Windows access but, if your backing up Linux, could
      create issues depending on what you're trying to accomplish and
      how you do the backups.
    * Another option is to create ISO files as backups.  There are
      Windows programs which mount ISO files (check out
      http://www.petri.co.il/mount_iso_files_in_windows_vista.htm for
      information).  Worst case: you burn a few cents burning the image
      to CD/DVD.


Network options:

    * As already mentioned, if you don't mind learning how to set up
      Samba that's another good option.
    * Microsoft Gateway for NFS would be a possibility except it can
      only be used on Windows servers so sharing the data using NFS is
      probably out of the question.
    * Other options are ftp and ssh since WinSCP is a good Windows SCP
      client.


As is common with Linux vs. Windows, you have options