Alexander Skwar wrote:
> I would like the install programm to make reiserfs partitions by default,
> because access is faster and there's no lengthy fsck at bootup. And I
> personally didn't have any problems whatsoever since I started using
> reiserfs about a year (? dunno) ago. For me it works like a charm. So,
> what are the reasons that ext2 is still created? It's slower and well,
> takes longer at boot. I don't see any advantages in ext2.
One excellent reason: reiserfs is not yet supported by Partition
Magic. The management of partitions on machines used for multiple
operating systems must be done by just one utility without any vested
interest in any one operating or file system. From long experience
I cannot trust any of Mandrake's utilities that have anything to do
with partitioning, because:
1. There are open bug reports.
2. The results of the slightest programming error are catastrophic.
3. They have NOT been out in the field long enough to be mature -
this takes wide usage for over 3 years over many releases as a
primary product, not as a secondary tag-along product.
4. They are supplied by a vendor with a vested interest in only one
Linux distribution.
5. There is no industry-accepted definition of how partitioning
should be done. Mandrake's specifications are unknown and have not
been published prior to implementation for review by persons more
knowledgeable than Mandrake staff in the subject.
6. The testing plan has not been published so that we can be assured
that proper operation across all operating and file systems and
partitioning schemes has been thoroughly verified before release.
The lesson is clear - only even consider using the Mandrake utilities
on machines that will never be running anything but MandrakeSoft
products, so that you can call for suppport and obtain results.
I use Partition Magic 5 exclusively and with great success. Yes, it
has showstopper bugs - but I know how to sidestep each of them.
--
Regards,
Ron. [AU]
