|
comparison of both types of sparse (growing)
virtual disks |
The one-piece type seems to be a reasonable choice at first sight
- following the simple straight logic: |
VMware name | monolithicSparse | twoGbMaxExtentSparse | ||
---|---|---|---|---|
number of dependant files | ![]() |
1 | 2 - 477 | |
first impression: | ![]() |
looks reasonable: one disk = one file |
![]() |
what the hell are all these files good for ? |
max size of single chunk
|
950 Gb | ![]() |
2 Gb | |
descriptor | embedded | ![]() |
external | |
handling of backups | tricky with large disks | ![]() |
excellent | |
can be used from alien filesystems | unlikely | ![]() |
likely | |
free diskspace required for shrinking | up to 950 Gb | ![]() |
2Gb | |
free diskspace required to merge a snapshot | up to 950 Gb | ![]() |
2Gb | |
free diskspace required to defragment the disk | up to 950 Gb | ![]() |
2Gb | |
DVD backup | easy for disksizes that fit in one piece - tricky for large disks | ![]() |
no problem | |
Fat32 backup | disks smaller than2 Gb only | ![]() |
yes | |
network backup via ftp, samba or cifs | unreliable | ![]() |
no problem | |
skills required to fix simple errors | very advanced | ![]() |
easy | |
probabilty that a users messes up the disk with manual editing | very high | ![]() |
low | |
tool required for basic manual editing | Windows: dsfo.exe / dsfi.exe Linux: dd |
![]() |
simple texteditor | |
encryption | ![]() |
embedded descriptor can be encrypted | ||
Summary: | not suitable for a default choice |
![]() |
editors choice for average usage |
Conclusion: |
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