Recommended filesystem replacement for FFS... SFS or PFS?

[StevenJGore]

Hi,

I've been using the standard Commodore FFS-DC filesystem for over 10 years now, and since I'm about to completely repartition and reformat my Amiga's hard disk, I thought it was time to try a new filesystem (mainly because I'm fed up of the lengthy validations after a crash during hard disk activity).

I've read about Professional File System (PFS) and Smart File System (SFS), but can't decide between the two. I'm looking for the best balance of performance and stability... any recommendations?

And are they both free?!!

Thanks!
Steve.

[StevenJGore]

You've been using dir cache on hard disks for the last 10 years?

Yes, sad isn't it! Mainly because I didn't know any better. It was only because of a post on these boards the other week about a new version of SFS, that I started to realise that maybe I should try something else!

[StevenJGore]

Now I've gone and confused myself...

I found Professional File System (PFS) on Aminet (PFS95.lha in disk/misc) of which the latest version is 9.5.4, but I've also found Professional File System 3.3 (PFS3) by doing a google search, which would appear to be different and also cost money. Are there two PFS's?!!!

[StevenJGore]

Many thanks for the quick responses so far!

...install SFS without problems.

I've just downloaded SFS 1.214 and briefly read the docs. Am I right in thinking that all I need to do to use SFS is put "SmartFilesystem" in the "L" directory, and then format the drives using the normal "Format" tool? Or am I missing something?! Will it be enough just to use the default settings, or should I try and tweak them with the command line tools?

Thanks!
Steve.

[StevenJGore]

dir cache shouldn't ever be used on hard disks

Why, just out of interest?  :-?

[StevenJGore]

Using FFS-DC on hard disks takes up space on the disk, uses more RAM, and makes the already annoying validation process take a lot longer.

Ahh... that explains a few things!

If you decide to go SFS or PFS, I bet you'll be pleasantly surprised. :-)

Sounds like I will!

One last question... If I format all my hard disk partitions using SFS, and I boot workbench from a floppy, will the hard disk partitions be visible? Do I need to put SmartFilesystem in the L directory of everything I boot from?

[StevenJGore]

UPDATE:

I installed SFS 1.214 on my CD32's HD last night. Partitioning, installing SFS in the RDB, formatting, and installation of OS3.9 etc. went perfectly, and everything has been fine since. Goodbye to long validations after crashes! Hopefully I won't look back.

Thanks for everyone's help and advice yesterday!

Steve.