Google has recently decided to remove the compatibility between its Chrome OS operating system, based on Linux kernel, and the EXT file systems.

This is actually quite a surprise and strange as well. Apparently the next version of Googles Chrome OS operating system will no more recognize partitions using an EXT1, EXT2, EXT3 or EXT4 file system. Even if it is not a big deal when earlier file system versions are concerned, the EXT 4 comes as a big surprise considering it is the most used on GNU/Linux.

The choice is even more strange when we know that Google's own OS runs on Linux kernel. Thus, the Chrome OS compatibility list is becoming very easy to remember, FAT and NTFS, two private licenses from Microsoft. Explanation given for this change is that it is easier to rename a FAT or NTFS partition than an other in EXT format.

GNU/Linux users will have to continue juggling between formats. Under Windows and Mac this is not a problem, as the first is already using NTFS and FAT and the second is compatible with these two since OS X 10.6.5 Snow Leopard.




Source: Phoronix via Le Comptoir du Hardware.