General rule: Linux and Linux derived programs understand Microsoft better than Microsoft programs. They read and write FAT, FAT32, NTFS, more reliably and with fewer restrictions than Microsoft programs. Free Linux partition software is better than paid PC partition software and does flawless surgery on any Microsoft disk. Linux programs read and write Microsoft format files better than Microsoft programs do. That means that .doc, .xls and other Office 2003 formats are flawlessly read by both office suites, plus many other Linux based office programs.
However, Microsoft operating systems and programs have no clue what to do with world standard formatted Linux software files like open document files from Libre Office or Open Office. Windows will not acknowledge a disk formatted in any Linux scheme whether ext2, ext3, ext4, xfs, Reiser v3,or vfat. It will not even issue them a drive letter. Arrogance is what that behavior is called and it should call for contempt.
Therefore, look for where the software you considering for came from. If it's a Windows port of a Linux program, like Firefox, Thunderbird, Open Office, Libre Office, Windirstat, Clementine or 7-zip file manager, be assured that it will be all about communication and interoperability. If you are using a Microsoft operating system or program it is all about proprietary exclusion and forcing you to use their format while keeping you from communicating with the world and charging you a premium price to be so restricted.
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