how to create a COW filesystem for ArchISO?

walterjwhite · 2011-11-06 23:54:17

Hi all,

How do I go about creating a COW filesystem for ArchISO on a USB key?

Would I do the following after writing the ISO image to the USB device?

1. create a new partition.
2. create a new logical volume configuring the device as a snapshot type
3. create a filesystem on top of the logical volume
4. update the kernel parameters with the logical volume name

What filesystem should I use for COW?

Walter

djgera · 2011-11-07 00:24:29

Hello,

The isohybrid is a dirty hack, but is good for quick "download, write and boot" a booteable ISO to an USB-key.

What is your objetive? I guess you want to use "cow_persistent" ?. If this is the case use a filesystem that support sparse files. (ext2/3/4, xfs, ...)

walterjwhite · 2011-11-07 00:54:14

Hi,

I made my own ArchISO that serves as a backup / restore disc in the event my hard drive goes. I periodically update the disc image with the latest software and any changes I make to my system. I may also use it to have access to my 'stuff' whenever I don't have my computer (provided I have the appropriate video drivers installed).

I thought that I shouldn't use a journaling filesystem for COW? I was thinking JFS.

Walter

djgera · 2011-11-07 01:08:25

The better scenario is to use device directly without a filesystem, but this is not supported with archiso. You can do some hacks in the code to support it.

Anyway using any filesystem distinct from FAT with different block size made by the vendor on a USB-key, the performance is really bad.

Arch Linux

#1 2011-11-06 23:54:17

how to create a COW filesystem for ArchISO?

#2 2011-11-07 00:24:29

Re: how to create a COW filesystem for ArchISO?

#3 2011-11-07 00:54:14

Re: how to create a COW filesystem for ArchISO?

#4 2011-11-07 01:08:25

Re: how to create a COW filesystem for ArchISO?

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