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Poasters Computer Forums

Computer Help Desk => Desktop Help => Topic started by: Traveller on February 07, 2009, 10:01 hrs

Title: Hard drive for storing files from Windows AND Linux.
Post by: Traveller on 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.
Title: Re: Hard drive for storing files from Windows AND Linux.
Post by: Buffalo2102 on 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
Title: Re: Hard drive for storing files from Windows AND Linux.
Post by: Traveller on February 07, 2009, 19:05 hrs
OK, thanks Ja/Buff.

Time to carry out some experiments then!
Title: Re: Hard drive for storing files from Windows AND Linux.
Post by: pat on 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.

Title: Re: Hard drive for storing files from Windows AND Linux.
Post by: Traveller on 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.
Title: Re: Hard drive for storing files from Windows AND Linux.
Post by: tanked on February 11, 2009, 13:55 hrs
Set a partition on one drive, or instal two drives one for each Filesystem.
Title: Re: Hard drive for storing files from Windows AND Linux.
Post by: Traveller on 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.
Title: Re: Hard drive for storing files from Windows AND Linux.
Post by: Traveller on 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.
Title: Re: Hard drive for storing files from Windows AND Linux.
Post by: Traveller on February 15, 2009, 17:21 hrs
Just been informed that 4.10 was the very first Ubuntu in 2004; none before then.
Title: Re: Hard drive for storing files from Windows AND Linux.
Post by: Traveller on February 15, 2009, 20:57 hrs
You mean your Mom has important dates written all over her arm?? Haha.
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