Ubuntu Drive Visible to OS X?

[Brett Kirksey]

Fábio Mendes wrote:

> I'm almost sure there is a kernel module for that (read only), i don't
> know if it's compiled in the default ubuntu kernel package, but you can
> easily apt-get the kernel sources, copy the /boot/config file
> to /usr/src/kernel-src/.config and then add the modules you want. You
> should know how to compile a custom kernel, it's not that hard and
> debian has good documentation on the subject.

First of all, I would like to say I _greatly_ appreciate all of the help
everyone on this list has given me. The Ubuntu team and users are very
good at getting a newbie going.

I would classify myself as a "Power User" on Mac (OS 9 and OS X) and a
"Semi-Power User" on Windows when I am forced to use it. I've done my
share of setting up systems from scratch and doing minor hardware
installs. I can get around in the command line enough to set up apache,
mysql, php, and do some netinfo work. I've been a user of some form of
Unix off and on for about 10 years.

Here's my frustration. I realize many computer elites are attracted to
Linux because it requires them to tinker a lot, and it is _extremely_
customizable. However, this is the exact reason it has been declared not
ready for "the desktop." (Whether it truly is or not is a different
debate.) I believe Ubuntu is a _gigantic_ step in the right direction.
It is hands down the easiest Linux I've ever attempted.

I don't want anyone to go out and do my work for me in getting something
to work that I would like to work. But I have never dealt with a kernel
module, kernel package, apt-get, kernel sources, /boot/config file,
kernel-src/.config, adding modules I want, or compiling a custom kernel.
  I am interested in learning how to get a system running, but I'm not
interested in acquiring a minor in computer engineering to do it.

I can read a response like I got for this question (and I do appreciate
Fabio taking the time to help out a newbie) and say, "Oh well, I'll just
live without that feature." But, there may be other potential users who
are really ready to give Linux a try, have heard Ubuntu is _the_ way to
go for user friendliness, and when they hear what may be required to get
a feature working ("compiling a custom kernel"), they just say, "Oh
well, forget all that Linux stuff, I'm going back to Windows."

I've said all of this just to get across if the "community" really has
as a goal to "jsut work" and be a free alternative OS for the average
user, assumpitons about the average Ubuntu user like "You should know
how to compile a custom kernel" may need to be abandoned. There are
millions and millions of Windows and Mac users (some rather intelligent
and technologically sophisticated) that have neither the knowledge or
desire to compile a custom kernel. My entire point being, if Ubuntu is
going to appeal to a large "general population" user base, some classic
assumptions about the Linux user need to change.

End of frustration. :-) And again, I truly appreciate everyones
help--even when it's over my head.

Thanks
Brett