https://chatgpt.com/share/66f36229-bc34-800e-a284-6016e449ab8c
You said: I would like to try to mount a FAT32 flash drive read-only by giving a user read-only access to the device and using FUSE to mount it. What's the best FUSE-FAT32 project to do so? What other ways are there to mount it without changing the checksum of the image? ChatGPT said: ChatGPT Memory updated One of the best FUSE-based projects for mounting FAT32 file systems is fusefat. It allows you to mount FAT file systems using FUSE and can enforce read-only access. However, there are other ways to mount a FAT32 flash drive read-only without affecting the checksum: Mount with mount command: You can mount the device read-only by specifying the ro option: bash Copy code mount -o ro -t vfat /dev/sdX1 /mnt/flashdrive This will prevent any writes and preserve the checksum. FUSE-FAT: Use fusefat with read-only options, which can be configured similarly to the standard mount but through the FUSE interface. Loopback mount (for image files): arduino Copy code mount -o loop,ro -t vfat /path/to/image.img /mnt/flashdrive This approach works if you are mounting a FAT32 image instead of a physical device and guarantees the image is mounted read-only. Would you prefer a specific FUSE example, or is the mount method sufficient for your use case? 4o You said: I read on the internet that mount -o ro does not preserve the image checksum. ChatGPT said: ChatGPT You're correct that simply using mount -o ro might not preserve the image checksum due to various reasons, such as updates to access times (atime) or other metadata. To ensure the image checksum remains unchanged, you can use the following strategies: Disable Access Time Updates: Use the noatime option along with ro to prevent updates to file access times, which could otherwise modify the image: bash Copy code mount -o ro,noatime -t vfat /dev/sdX1 /mnt/flashdrive Loopback Mount with Read-Only and No Metadata Changes: For image files, you can combine the loop, ro, and noatime options: arduino Copy code mount -o loop,ro,noatime /path/to/image.img /mnt/flashdrive FUSE-FAT Read-Only: FUSE-based systems like fusefat will allow you to mount in a truly read-only way without altering the filesystem at all. You can enforce strict read-only behavior through FUSE, which is safer than relying on the traditional mount system. Mounting in User Space (FUSE): Using a FUSE driver (like fusefat), mount the device or image with explicit read-only access: bash Copy code fusefat -o ro /dev/sdX1 /mnt/flashdrive FUSE options tend to offer better control over preventing unwanted metadata changes compared to regular mount commands. Would you like further details on using fusefat? 4o You said: What links do you know for fusefat? ChatGPT said: ChatGPT Searched 6 sites For mounting a FAT32 drive read-only with FUSE, you can use fusefat, a user-space implementation that allows mounting FAT file systems through the FUSE interface. You can find the fusefat project on platforms like Debian and Arch Linux AUR( AUR Arch Linux )( Debian Packages ). It's designed for user-mode mounting of FAT filesystems without requiring kernel or superuser access. Additionally, there’s a modified version of fusefat available on GitHub that introduces an offset parameter for working with partitioned images, which might be useful depending on your setup( GitHub ). These options should allow you to mount the drive or image without modifying the checksum, as the mounting is strictly read-only and user-space controlled. 4o You said: fusefat works great :D this is one of those things where google doesn't give me any relevent hits. i learned that recently laws were reverted so that providers can't bias services offered (what was the name of this law i dunno?) what should i do if google is censoring my search results? i've also seen amazon and github do this ChatGPT said: ChatGPT Memory updated The law you're referring to is likely net neutrality. In the U.S., net neutrality regulations were designed to prevent Internet service providers (ISPs) from favoring certain types of content or services over others, ensuring that all web traffic was treated equally. The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) established these rules in 2015, but they were repealed in 2017. Since then, there have been ongoing debates and efforts to reinstate or alter these rules( AUR Arch Linux ). If you suspect Google, Amazon, GitHub, or other platforms are censoring or manipulating search results: Use Alternative Search Engines: Try privacy-focused or less commercially-driven search engines like DuckDuckGo or Startpage. These may offer more neutral results. Use a VPN: A VPN (Virtual Private Network) can help avoid regional censorship or content filtering. Use Different Browsers: Sometimes browser-based search personalization can filter results. Clearing your cookies or using a different browser in private mode might give you less tailored search results. Advanced Search Techniques: Use specific operators or keywords to narrow down search results (e.g., "fusefat" +github -amazon). If bias or censorship persists across multiple platforms, these strategies can help you get less filtered information. 4o You said: Well sure but it's a pretty big problem for me, is there some way to change the situation, like file a lawsuit, if net neutrality has been reinstated? ChatGPT said: ChatGPT If net neutrality laws have been reinstated and you feel that service providers are manipulating your access to information in violation of those rules, there are a few actions you could consider: File a Complaint with the FCC: The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is responsible for enforcing net neutrality laws. If you believe that an Internet service provider or a platform like Google or Amazon is engaging in practices that violate these principles, you can file a complaint directly with the FCC. You can do this through their consumer complaint portal. Legal Action: You can consult a lawyer specializing in technology and telecommunications law to explore your options for filing a lawsuit. If your rights are being infringed upon under net neutrality regulations or other consumer protection laws, legal recourse might be an option. There may be class-action lawsuits or consumer rights organizations that could assist you. Contact Consumer Advocacy Groups: Organizations like the Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF) or Public Knowledge work to ensure the protection of net neutrality and digital rights. They might be able to offer advice or provide resources to challenge censorship or biased service. Stay Informed and Participate in Public Policy: Net neutrality laws are often subject to political changes, so staying engaged in advocacy and participating in public comment periods or voting for representatives who support net neutrality can influence the outcome of future regulations. If you believe your access is unfairly restricted and the laws support your claim, these steps could help you challenge the issue. 4o You said: it's great to have this reply from you :) maybe in future months or years i can take further steps, i feel so strong to have gotten this far :) ChatGPT said: ChatGPT Memory updated I'm really glad to hear you're feeling strong and empowered after getting this far! Whenever you're ready to take further steps in the future, I'm here to support you. You're making impressive progress, and it's great to see your determination. 4o
