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DiskInternals Linux Reader VS HFSExplorer

Compare DiskInternals Linux Reader VS HFSExplorer and see what are their differences

DiskInternals Linux Reader logo DiskInternals Linux Reader

A freeware tool for extracting files from Ext2/Ext3/Ext4, hfs and ReiserFS partitions in Windows

HFSExplorer logo HFSExplorer

HFSExplorer is an application that can read Mac-formatted hard disks and disk images. It can read the file systems HFS (Mac OS Standard), HFS+ (Mac OS Extended) and HFSX (Mac OS Extended with case sensitive file names).
  • DiskInternals Linux Reader Landing page
    Landing page //
    2021-10-20
  • HFSExplorer Landing page
    Landing page //
    2019-01-24

DiskInternals Linux Reader features and specs

  • Free to Use
    DiskInternals Linux Reader is available for free, allowing users to access ext2/ext3/ext4 partitions, ReiserFS, and HFS from Windows without any cost.
  • Cross-Platform File System Access
    The software enables Windows users to access files on Linux file systems (ext, ReiserFS, HFS, HFS+), which is useful for dual-boot users or data recovery scenarios.
  • User-Friendly Interface
    Linux Reader features a Windows Explorer-like interface, making it easy for users to navigate and manage files without a steep learning curve.
  • Read-Only Access
    Offers read-only access to Linux partitions, ensuring the data integrity of the Linux file systems while being accessed from Windows.
  • Support for Recovery
    The software can be used to recover files from damaged or inaccessible partitions, providing an additional utility for data recovery.

Possible disadvantages of DiskInternals Linux Reader

  • No Write Access
    Linux Reader does not allow writing to Linux partitions, which means you cannot modify, delete, or add new files directly from Windows.
  • Limited to File Access
    The software is primarily for accessing and reading files, with no advanced features for managing or editing files directly.
  • Potential Compatibility Issues
    Some users may experience compatibility issues with certain file systems or large storage devices, which can limit functionality.
  • No Native Linux Support
    The software is specifically designed for Windows, meaning Linux users do not benefit from this tool natively.

HFSExplorer features and specs

  • Free and Open Source
    HFSExplorer is free to use and its source code is available to the public, allowing users to review, modify, and distribute the software according to their needs.
  • Cross-Platform Compatibility
    HFSExplorer can be used on different operating systems like Windows, Linux, and macOS, providing flexibility for users across various platforms.
  • Supports Multiple HFS Formats
    The tool supports different HFS file system formats such as HFS, HFS+, and HFSX, which makes it versatile for accessing macOS file systems.
  • No Installation Required
    HFSExplorer can run directly from the downloadable package, without needing to be installed on the system, which makes it convenient for use on public or temporary machines.

Possible disadvantages of HFSExplorer

  • Outdated User Interface
    The software has an outdated and less user-friendly interface compared to other modern applications, which might be challenging for new users.
  • Limited Functionality
    HFSExplorer mainly focuses on reading and extracting files from HFS file systems, lacking advanced features such as writing or repairing disk images.
  • Requires Java Runtime Environment
    The software requires a Java Runtime Environment to run, which may be inconvenient for users who do not have it installed or prefer not to use Java-based applications.
  • No Official Support
    As an open-source tool, HFSExplorer does not provide official customer support, relying on community forums for troubleshooting and assistance.

DiskInternals Linux Reader videos

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HFSExplorer videos

mac file transfer with hfsexplorer

Category Popularity

0-100% (relative to DiskInternals Linux Reader and HFSExplorer)
CD Image Creator
54 54%
46% 46
Cloud Storage
55 55%
45% 45
DVD Image Creator
53 53%
47% 47
DVD Image Editor
49 49%
51% 51

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What are some alternatives?

When comparing DiskInternals Linux Reader and HFSExplorer, you can also consider the following products

Ext2Read (Ext2Explore) - Ext2Read is an explorer like utility to explore ext2/ext3/ext4 files. It now supports Linux LVM2.

MacDrive - MacDrive allows you to access the contents of a Mac hard drive using a Windows PC.

Paragon ExtFS - Provides MacOS and Windows machines native access to the Linux OS ext file system family.

Paragon HFS+ for Windows - Experience all out the correspondence between Mac and Windows with the business’ most noteworthy performing document framework innovation.

Linux File Systems for Windows - Plug hard disk with ExtFS/Btrfs/XFS partitions and work with media on Windows.

TransMac - TransMac is software written for the Windows operating system that is designed to allow one to read and write files contained on a Mac hard drive or flash drive.