On file systems on USB sticks ?

CMartin · 11-01-2012, 07:06 PM

All instructions I found online on making a new file system on USB sticks show instructions how to make VFAT fs.

mkfs -t vfat /dev/xxx

But, why ? I mean, aside compatibility with Windows OS, is there any good _technical_ reason not to make ext2 or ext3 or ext4 fs on the USB stick ?

I carry an 2GB usb with ext2fs for few months already, and see no problems. Are ext file systems less suitable for USB sticks, or what ?

jefro · 11-01-2012, 07:07 PM

Ext2 is a very good choice for linux only usb flash drives.

It is possible that one may wish or need fat.

It is unlikely that the usb can't support ext2 but it is possible.

schneidz · 11-01-2012, 07:17 PM

i have better luck running live-usb distros formatted as fat rather than ext2 for some reason.

H_TeXMeX_H · 11-02-2012, 02:56 AM

Compatibility and efficient use of space are the main reasons for vfat. I use vfat on all flash media for these reasons. If you don't plan on using them with another OS, then just use ext2.

schneidz · 11-13-2012, 07:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by schneidz

i have better luck running live-usb distros formatted as fat rather than ext2 for some reason.

i take this back. i have been trying to re-flash my fc-15 usb again and it wouldnt boot for some reason... and then i realized the persistent overlay has a restriction of 2048 mb when using fat32 so i had to format it as ext2.