If it uses standard USB mass storage, then the kernel would support it.

If the drive has non-standard bells and whistles, then it is possible that
some whistles may not work; unless it is really niche hardware, it is
likely the kernel would have some support for it, but you would want to
check first.


On 10 July 2013 09:33, Mark Knecht <markknecht@gmail.com> wrote:

> On Tue, Jul 9, 2013 at 10:02 AM, Ryan Dagey <dts@dagey.com> wrote:
> > Hello Gurus:
> >
> >
> >
> > We have an office Gentoo server that I want to configure to run backups
> on
> > an external USB drive.  I’ve attempted this in the past and ended up
> > purchasing one that was not compatible (I don’t recall the name, started
> > with a B I believe).  The issue was lack of Linux drivers/support, only
> > Windows.  So I thought it prudent to see if you guys had an experience
> with
> > external drives that work well with Gentoo.  Plug and play of course, as
> the
> > drive will be moved to a fire safe when not in engaging backup, but I
> doubt
> > that will be an issue with USB connectivity.  It doesn’t need any bells
> and
> > whistles like some of the secure drive have, but we would consider any
> such
> > benefits.  We would need at least 1-2TB, price isn’t as much of a
> concern as
> > it is for a business client.  It is a 64-bit machine, so 32-bit only is
> out,
> > not sure if that’s as big of a concern anymore.
> >
> >
> >
> > Thanks for any suggestions you can offer.
> >
> >
> >
> > --
> >
> > Ryan
>
> I haven't had any problem with the 5 external USB drives I have. They
> are either off-the-shelf Buffalo 500GB USB drives or I've purchased 3
> NexStar 3 cases and put WD 1TB drives in them. Choose a file system
> that allows labeling and if you're lucky like me you likely won't have
> any problems.
>
> Good luck,
> Mark
>
>