Use mhddfs to group hard disks and directories
United
The multi-hard drive disk filesystem (mhddfs) combines directories or hard disks on a union filesystem to create a single, large, virtual filesystem that you can use both locally and via Samba or NFS.
Establishing a reliable system and keeping track of a continually growing collection of movies and audio files can be very time consuming. What makes matters worse is that multimedia data typically resides on various disks.
This is where mhddfs enters the game: Using a union filesystem, it groups files from different locations to create a virtual directory. The tool not only combines existing data, it also provides details about free storage space on the individual filesystems. (See the box "What Is a Union Filesystem?")
Consequently, it is no longer a problem to use small disks to store a music collection that extends over three disks. You could just as easily store rock music on one disk, classical tracks on another, and e-books on the third. What happens, however, if your rock music disk is full, but your e-book disk still has room to spare? Things start to become untidy again.
[...]
Buy this article as PDF
(incl. VAT)
Buy Linux Magazine
US / Canada
UK / Australia
Subscribe to our Linux Newsletters
Find Linux and Open Source Jobs
Subscribe to our ADMIN Newsletters
Support Our Work
Linux Magazine content is made possible with support from readers like you. Please consider contributing when you’ve found an article to be beneficial.
News
-
OpenMandriva Lx 6.0 Available for Installation
The latest release of OpenMandriva has arrived with a new kernel, an updated Plasma desktop, and a server edition.
-
TrueNAS 25.04 Arrives with Thousands of Changes
One of the most popular Linux-based NAS solutions has rolled out the latest edition, based on Ubuntu 25.04.
-
Fedora 42 Available with Two New Spins
The latest release from the Fedora Project includes the usual updates, a new kernel, an official KDE Plasma spin, and a new System76 spin.
-
So Long, ArcoLinux
The ArcoLinux distribution is the latest Linux distribution to shut down.
-
What Open Source Pros Look for in a Job Role
Learn what professionals in technical and non-technical roles say is most important when seeking a new position.
-
Asahi Linux Runs into Issues with M4 Support
Due to Apple Silicon changes, the Asahi Linux project is at odds with adding support for the M4 chips.
-
Plasma 6.3.4 Now Available
Although not a major release, Plasma 6.3.4 does fix some bugs and offer a subtle change for the Plasma sidebar.
-
Linux Kernel 6.15 First Release Candidate Now Available
Linux Torvalds has announced that the release candidate for the final release of the Linux 6.15 series is now available.
-
Akamai Will Host kernel.org
The organization dedicated to cloud-based solutions has agreed to host kernel.org to deliver long-term stability for the development team.
-
Linux Kernel 6.14 Released
The latest Linux kernel has arrived with extra Rust support and more.