Time machine format?

[Robertstandem]

I am preparing a USB back-up disc to use with Time Machine. I currently use Linux so the disc is formatted ext3/4.
When I switch to a new iMAC will Time Machine recognise this disc and be able to re-format it?
If not what format would it recognise? (Fat32?)
Chris

 

[vansmith]

Time Machine uses HFS+. When you plug it into your Mac, you'll have to reformat it (so, you'll want to back it up).

OS X will recognize FAT32 but you won't be able to use it with Time Machine.

 

[Robertstandem]

So..if I format it FAT32 (it's now ext3/ext4) Time Machine will recognise it as a HDD and re-format it HFS+.
(I don't have a utility to format HFS+ but can do FAT32)

 

[MacInWin]

You don't, I think, have to format it if all you want to do is reformat it. Just connect it, open DU, select and partition the drive, formatting it for Mac OSX Extended (journaled), which is HFS+.

 

[Slydude]

You shouldn't need the intermediate step of formatting the drive FAT 32. When you connect the drive you'll be given the opportunity to format it. I think the software uses the word Initialize. Choosing that launches Disk Utility where you can complete the process.