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LinuxDisks
© Michel Pollet, 1997
[Download] [Features] [Screen shots] [Release notes]
LinuxDisks is a MacOS™ application that allows you to access your ext2 (Linux) file systems on the Macintosh.
The 1.0d7 version include a port of e2fsprogs-1.10.1B as an external shared library, so it'll be easier to update. That library works with little-endian ext2 filesystems. I've also added a basic mkfs support for partitions. It's basic because it does'nt handle bad block lists.
WARNING: That version has not been tested much, use at your own risks !Download the latest version (Feb 20, 1998)
Download LinuxDisks 1.0d7 Now ! (400Kb)
PowerMac only version.
Download the previous version (May 30, 1997)Download LinuxDisks 1.0d6 Now ! (400Kb)
PowerMac only version.
Remember to leave me your comments !
Check my other programs !Features
What is done already
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Browse directories, with an 'Anarchie' like interface.
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Display symbolic links.
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Copy files from and to the file system, with extensive Drag&Drop support.
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Asynchronous copies, you can continue to browse while copying.
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Delete files by dragging them to the trash.
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Uses Internet Config for mapping UN*X files to Mac file types.
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Rename files, with a finder-like interface (in place editing)
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Edit Partitions name & type.
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Change file/directory permissions.
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mkfs of new partitions.
What may be done later
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Follows symbolic links.
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Copy files between ext2 file systems.
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Recursive copy of directories.
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Move files on the same file system.
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Create directories.
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Create/delete partitions.
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Make partitions bootables.
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fsck of existing partitions. I'm not even sure I'll do everything there, but the application is already very useful for copying files between MacOS™ and linux. I did not spent too much time writing this tool, as I have professional work to be done ;-)
There are some implicit features, like:
- Command Click the title bar of a directory window brings a popup.
- Option double click in a folder close the current window.
- …
Q: Why PowerPC™ only ?
Well, I don't have time right now to do it, but I will, for the sake of the people using the 68k port of linux.
Q: What about an external file system for MacOS™ ?
Well, it's currently beeing developed. It already work partly, and read only. I'm working with Benjamin Herrenschmidt on that one. You can also download the port of the ext2progs library on his page.
Things that you should know about:
- Don't quit the application while copying. It should work properly, but I would'nt try if I were you ;-)
- The copy process first allocate the complete size of the destination file, to make things faster while copying.
- Files names from a linux file system are truncated to 32 caracters (and ':' are converted to '_').
- Mac file names are also converted: '/' are converted to '_', and any character whose code is greater that 126 is converted with netatalk method: ie 'ƒ' will be converted to ':c4'.
Various screen shots
The SCSI Devices window
A typical directory window
As you can see, you can edit the file names directly in the window. Note that what you edit is the UN*X name, not the Macintosh name.
The file copy window
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The Partition Info window
That dialog allows you to change the partition name and type. It's very dangerous. It's there mainly for helping you convert partitions for use by linux, or to convert them back later. You have to be very careful with that one, if you change the partition type of your boot disk, you may be unable to restart your computer.
Don't flame me if you break something, you are responsible !
The mkfs window
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The Permission window
That dialog allows you to change permissions for a group of files/directories.I hope that HI is clear enougth. I think you can do everything with it, save setting the uid/gid bits. I don't think that is necessary.
Release Notes
1.0d7 Feb 20, 1997
- the ext2 library is no longer staticaly linked, to allow the ext2 support to be up to date.
- Recompiled with CWPro 2, and a new PowerPlant.
- Added mkfs support. Be careful, it does'nt handle bad block lists !
1.0d6 May 30, 1997
- Went back to previous ext2fs library, due to numerous problems with the lastest version. Note that you can have access to the sources of the port of the ext2 library if you wish. Sorry for the delay, I was on holidays !
1.0d5 May 8, 1997
- Added a partition Info dialog that allow to change partition/name type. Will be used for MountX for example. Be EXTREMLY careful with that feature. You can do nasty things to your disks !
- Updated to ext2fs 1.09+, thanks to BenH.
- The copy progression bar will handle large files now. The copy was done, but the display was bad.
- Added renaming of files. ala finder.
- Fixed the nasty 'replacing' bug.
- Added a notification before displaying alerts.
- Added the 'Set Permissions' dialog. Allows to change permissions with a 'chmod rgo+rx' sort of access.
- The 'Select All' menu item does its job now.
1.0d4 March 19, 1997
- Removed a very remote possibility of memory leak in some errors case while copying.
- The 'Stop' button works in the copy window.
- Removed the time bomb.
1.0d3 March 3, 1997, Cleanup release
- Added spinning things in SCSI & Directory windows to show something's happening.
- Command clicking in the drag bar of an inactive window no longer brings the popup.
- Have to click in the center of the drag bar to bring the popup.
- Removed unused debug messages, that you would'nt see anyway, since I use an external application for their display.
- Added a caption with the number of busses/devices found.
- Changed the SCSI window look.
- Removed the '..' directories, since you can access them by command clicking the title bar.
- Display the remaining size of file systems in the directory window.
- Slight 3d look here and there.
1.0d2 February 27, 1997
- First public release
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