Hard drive for storing files from Windows AND Linux.

Traveller · February 07, 2009, 10:01 hrs

Hi All.

I was wondering if it was possible to have a hard drive which I use to store files on (no O/S installed) and be able to access those files from hard drives with Windows AND Linux installed on them.

Thanks.

Buffalo2102 · February 07, 2009, 15:00 hrs

The important thing to consider is the file system you will use. Linux OS's tend to use ext2 or 3 file systems natively whereas Windows generally uses NTFS or FAT32. I have found that most Linux distros will read a FAT32 file system but Windows won't generally read ext file systems. There are small Windows plug-ins that claim to enable Windows to read ext2 or 3 but I haven't any experience with them.

Best thing is to do a bit of research on the capabilities of your Linux distro.

Buff

Traveller · February 07, 2009, 19:05 hrs

OK, thanks Ja/Buff.

Time to carry out some experiments then!

pat · February 08, 2009, 17:34 hrs

In Ubuntu, a Linux distribution, I can read all files supported by programs installed on Windows on my other drives.
As buff noted though, I cannot read Linux files using Windows.

I see no reason you can't do what you want there though.

Traveller · February 09, 2009, 14:50 hrs

OK, thanks Pat. I initially had Ubuntu 6.06 installed, however, due to it performing sluggishly because my pc is too old, I was advised to try Xubuntu, so until I upgrade my pc, I am going to have to try Xubuntu.

tanked · February 11, 2009, 13:55 hrs

Set a partition on one drive, or instal two drives one for each Filesystem.

Traveller · February 15, 2009, 10:42 hrs

Thanks tanked.

Just to update, I formatted my Ubuntu drive and installed Xubuntu instead, which as mentioned below, I was advised due to sluggish performance and guess what? The Xubuntu was MUCH slower that the Ubuntu. Probably because the Ubuntu was an older version and the Xubuntu was the latest one.

So, does anyone know what version of Ubunutu was around at the time of W98? The earliest I've managed to find is version 4.10 (2006) called Warty Warthog, haha.

Thanks.

Traveller · February 15, 2009, 14:21 hrs

Haha. Was Ubuntu even around then??

Thanks for your effort. REALLY appreciate it.

I've burned the ISO for 4.10 and will try it out next. How come 4.10 is 2006 and 5.10 is 2005? I got mine from here -

http://old-releases.ubuntu.com/releases/

According to that 5.10 is 2007.

Traveller · February 15, 2009, 17:21 hrs

Just been informed that 4.10 was the very first Ubuntu in 2004; none before then.

Traveller · February 15, 2009, 20:57 hrs

You mean your Mom has important dates written all over her arm?? Haha.

News:

Hard drive for storing files from Windows AND Linux.