For the users using Linux

[MathGeek06]

Hey there, I was just wondering what you guys have your hard drives partitioned to? There are many philosophies behind this, and I was just trying to reach a consensus. I know that you need a swap partion, but I have read that some people have up to seven or eight partions. I was wondering what partions you have on your system, and how big each system is. I'm finally getting my new computer and am installing Linux on half of my 120 gig HD. Also, after this, I will be able to give you guys a good description of the new AMD64 processor, since that is what I am getting (sorry about that, but I am very excited about it!) anyways, hope to hear from you soon

[codex]

Originally Posted by MathGeek06

Hey there, I was just wondering what you guys have your hard drives partitioned to? There are many philosophies behind this, and I was just trying to reach a consensus. I know that you need a swap partion, but I have read that some people have up to seven or eight partions. I was wondering what partions you have on your system, and how big each system is. I'm finally getting my new computer and am installing Linux on half of my 120 gig HD.

120 GB: 12/50/50 (yea it'll never actually add up to 120)
45 GB: one big partiion

I find 12 is enough for all my programs, etc. The rest is for other stuff.

Originally Posted by MathGeek06

Also, after this, I will be able to give you guys a good description of the new AMD64 processor, since that is what I am getting (sorry about that, but I am very excited about it!) anyways, hope to hear from you soon

I hope you are aware that 64-bit processors really aren't going to give you any extra performance at this point. I guess there's still a "cool-factor" to it though. Personally, I'll wait until there's a 64-bit Windows and get a future-generation processor. I can't speak for Linux performance.

[codex]

Hey you changed the topic on me!



I retract all comments.

[MathGeek06]

I hope you are aware that 64-bit processors really aren't going to give you any extra performance at this point. I guess there's still a "cool-factor" to it though.

Well since I am gonna be running Linux for the most part, there is actually a 64 bit Mandrake out. As of now I am installing Slackware 9.1 on is, so no I am not going to see any extra performance at this point. It is defintiely a "cool factor", but what I am hoping for is that when 64 bit technology is finally coming out, I can just buy a new motherboard and another AMD64 and have a 64bit dual processor workhorse!!!... Til then though, I just like that sticker

[Obi-Wan Kenobi]

We need a drooling emoticon.

The installation defaults will probably do for now for partitioning. When you run into trouble, buy Partition Magic and resize as needed.

Originally Posted by Obi-Wan Kenobi

We need a drooling emoticon.

I'll second that! There's no emoticon to express what I'm feeling .

I don't use much HD space so running out of room isn't an issue. I've always used what was suggested by the installation program.

You could probably dump everything into one partition for a desktop computer. I believe the partitions help seperate areas on your HD for two reasons. One is to stop any one directory from getting to big (like your log files growing until they shut down your user directories) and there's probably some mild security reasons behind partitioning as well.

If memory recalls, you want enough room in /usr and /var to install future programs. Then dump the rest of the space into your /home directory to give you lots of room for your data.

[Obi-Wan Kenobi]

One reason to partition is that you can upgrade the kernel without messing up all the user data, or so I recall. In general, keeping the OS (any OS) and data on separate partitions = loss data lost.

Good point Obi. After I got into partitions on Linux I realized that you could use partitions in Windows as well. Partition your drive into C and D and put Windows on C and keep all your data on D. Then whenever you need to reinstall Windows you only need to reinstall programs without touching your data. That would have saved me a lot of time through the years.

[GadgetGeek]

for the linux side, I say 3 partitions, one for the boot (as obi says, so you don't trash your data on a kernel upgrade), one for swap, and one for all else.
for the ms side, one or two partitions. Maybe that second partition would be for info shared between the two systems. Such as your mp3 collection, so you can listen to music regardless of which side you've booted up. And if you go with OpenOffice as your "productivity suite", again, store the files in this common area.