How to Create a Disk Layout Plan for Linux

Linux differs from Windows in many ways; it's widely considered easier to use, more stable and safer from viruses and harmful intrusions. It can be more complicated, however, for less experienced people because of the level of interaction required to operate the system. For example, it's necessary to create a disk layout plan in order to use Linux properly, especially when your system's security is vital.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Linux

1. Jot down the names of all directories you know that you wish to have on your hard drive before you even begin partitioning. This will help you visualize the amount of space and the number of directories you think you will need (including subdirectories).

2. Use "fdisk," a partitioning application that ships with Linux, to help create the partitions you need. Not only will you be able to name those partitions, but you will also be able to set the specific size you wish the partition to be. If you've created a dual-boot system with Linux and Windows, do not use the Windows "fdisk" function once Linux is installed.

3. Keep your /boot directory on a separate partition from the rest. This is important as it protects this partition from attack by unauthorized people.

4. Create a disk layout that gives each person a separate partition. This allows you to control how much data each person is permitted to add to the drive. Remember that shared directories, however, can still become full as a result of multi-person activity.

5. Plan on placing the /etc directory in a separate partition from other important directories. This prevents the /etc directory from being modified by outsiders.

Tips & Warnings

• Divide the speed and memory demands across each of the platters and sections of your hard drive to more evenly distribute the demand placed on the drive. In many cases, some sections of a drive are accessed faster than others simply as a result of the drive's design.
• Some versions of Linux create the partitions and disk layout for you, eliminating the need to do this yourself. This does limit your control over the partitioning process, however.
• When using a disk partition application to create your hard drive's partitions, ensure that you are making the partitions large enough for the files and information that is to be stored within them. For example, the root partition should be between 500MB and 1GB in order to have room for your system's expansion.

Resources

• Linux features defined at Linux.org