Re: Large files on linux

Fernan Aguero <fernan(at)iib(dot)unsam(dot)edu(dot)ar> writes:

> I am having trouble with large files on a Linux box (RH 6.2). I know there
> is a limit of 2 GB on the file size, but do not know if this is kernel
> related, filesystem related or both.
>
> I am researchiing the issue (having some trouble to find info) and found
> that there are several alternatives. Can you give me advice for/against the
> ones you think are best/worse. Also, if you happen to have links to other
> places which might have information on this issue, please pass them along.
>
> Here are my options:
>
> i) patch the kernel.
> I didn't find much information about this one. I don't know yet whether
> this is a kernel related limitation or filesystem-related or both. I have
> also read that programs had to be patched to use this 'large_file' patch.
> Will probably avoid this one.
>
> ii) try a new kernel, 2.4-test
> have to do some research into this yet, but apparently the new linux kernel
> will support large files. My understanding right now is that ext2fs do not
> support files this large,

It does.

> iii) try a new filesystem.
> several filesystems appear to support large files (but not ext2fs, and
> apparently not ext3fs)

On 2.2, it's VFS related. ext3/ext2 doesn't have such problems.

Red Hat Linux 7.0 includes a kernel (the "enterprise" one) with the
LFS patched included and test. It's also ready for 2.4

--
Trond Eivind Glomsrød
Red Hat, Inc.