can't share external HD data w/a PC?

i have intel imac running snow leopard. i’m trying share mp3 files (legally, of course) friend has windows pc. purchased brand new external usb hard drive says on box works w/both mac & pc. when hooked drive computer, had format it. computer recommended doing “enable mac os journaling” (i believe that’s how worded). did way, , put music on drive. friend hooked pc , drive doesn’t show up. gives? should have formatted drive different way? don’t understand why isn’t working considering i’ve transferred music pc via usb thumb drive. fwiw, not licensing issue. need reformat drive different way pc sees it?

 

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overview of 4 major file systems (called "formats" in mac os x) used on windows , mac os x, compiled ggjstudios. can use disk utility format hdd liking.

external hard drive work pcs or macs, long connectors there (firewire, usb, etc.) it doesn't matter how drive formatted out of box, since can re-format way like. formatting can done mac os x disk utility, found in /applications/utilities folder. here formatting options:

fat32 (file allocation table)

• read/write fat32 both native windows , native mac os x.
  [*]maximum file size: 4gb.
• maximum volume size: 2tb
• you can use format if share drive between mac os x , windows computers , have no files larger 4gb.

ntfs (windows nt file system)

• read/write ntfs native windows.
• read ntfs native mac os x
  [*]to read/write/format ntfs mac os x, here alternatives:
  • for mac os x 10.4 or later (32 or 64-bit), install paragon (approx $20) (best choice lion)
  • for 32-bit mac os x, install ntfs-3g mac os x (free) (does not work in 64-bit mode)
  • for 64-bit snow leopard, read this: macfuse 64-bit snow leopard
  • some have reported problems using tuxera (approx $36).
  • native ntfs support can enabled in snow leopard , lion, not advisable, due instability.
• airport extreme (802.11n) , time capsule not support ntfs
• maximum file size: 16 tb
• maximum volume size: 256tb
• you can use format if routinely share drive multiple windows systems.

hfs+ (hierarchical file system, a.k.a. mac os extended (journaled) don't use case-sensitive)

• read/write hfs+ native mac os x
• required time machine or carbon copy cloner or superduper! backups of mac internal hard drive.
  [*]to read/write hfs+ windows, install macdrive
  [*]to read hfs+ (but not write) windows, install hfsexplorer
• maximum file size: 8eib
• maximum volume size: 8eib
• you can use format if use drive mac os x, or use backups of mac os x internal drive, or if share 1 windows pc (with macdrive installed on pc)

exfat (fat64)

• supported in mac os x in 10.6.5 or later.
• not windows versions support exfat. see disadvantages.
• exfat (extended file allocation table)
• airport extreme (802.11n) , time capsule not support exfat
• maximum file size: 16 eib
• maximum volume size: 64 zib
• you can use format if supported computers intend share drive. see "disadvantages" details.

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