Try "mount" to reveal mounted filesystems and types. "tune2fs" can convert a ext2 filesystem to ext3.

By default, ext3 doesn't protect the contents of files against corruption in the event of a power outage, etc. But the filesystem itself is protected. That tradeoff is for performance.

Some people also prefer ext2 for flash media, because it's faster and involves fewer writes, which will eventually wear out the drive (emphasis on eventual). Personally, I prefer the more robust ext3 or the more compatible FAT.