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Linux Patch Clears the Air For Use of Microsoft's FAT Filesystem
Ars Technica is reporting that a new kernel patch may provide a workaround to allow use of Microsoft's FAT file system on Linux without paying licensing fees. "Andrew Tridgell, one of the lead developers behind the Samba project, published a patch last week that will alter the behavior of the Linux FAT implementation so that it will not generate both short and long filenames. In situations where the total filename fits within the 11-character limit, the filesystem will generate only a short name. When the filename exceeds that length, it will only generate a long name and will populate the short name value with 11 invalid characters so that it is ignored by the operating system."
when you're setting up your own filesystems, however... just use ntfs-3g and fs-driver. problems solved. just don't forget to use mke2fs -I 128
and there are those who wonder why people don't use linux
It is insightful because it is true. It was said that "people" don't use linux and there was no mention of "newbs".
I have written code in a few different languages, built several computers from spare parts, and spent years in the tech support arena.
I can download an ISO and install Linux from it. For the life of me, I cannot install the utilities or programs that I want to use. Even after reading through the cryptic forum posts related specifically to my topic of interest. I follow the instructions to orient my computer 5 degrees off north, sprinkle the blood of my first born onto the keyboard, make sure to check the hash of the files, and belt out show tunes during the entirety of the installation process. Despite going through several first born, my program will just not work.
On windows, I can download or buy the software I want to use, double click on a file that says "install", go through a few screens that tell me to click different options and viola! I am using my software in no time at all. I don't have to acquire hardware passed down from the direct descendants of Linus or only use software that was translated from the native tongue of antarcticans.
I comprehend what linux is. And if you want to come on over and type your super secret cheat codes on all the programs I want to use, I will use your linux. "People" don't have a you to help them out with the everyday operation of their computer. There is no repository of magical phrases.
People, don't use linux.