/boot

stevesk · 08-12-2005, 12:34 PM

Hello guys! I've been some time away from Linux and I would like to know if is it still needed to create the '/boot' partition at HDs with more than 1024 cyls. I have read somewhere that if the BIOS has support for more than 1024 it is not needed anymore, but I would like to confirm that with you. I have now an Intel D865GBF (http://www.intel.com/design/motherbd/bf/index.htm) motherboard, which is relatively new.

Thanks for your attention!

syg00 · 08-12-2005, 12:56 PM

The 1024 cyl problem has disappeared into the mists of history.

IMHO a /boot is alway a good idea - especially for multiple distros. You can trash the distro that installed grub, but still continue to boot the other(s).

Kdr Kane · 08-12-2005, 12:56 PM

It's generally not a limitation of the BIOS any longer, but a limitation of the boot loader which would be either LILO or the now preferred GRUB.

And the latest versions of both are not hindered by the 1024 cylinder limitation any longer.

stevesk · 08-12-2005, 01:28 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by syg00
The 1024 cyl problem has disappeared into the mists of history.

IMHO a /boot is alway a good idea - especially for multiple distros. You can trash the distro that installed grub, but still continue to boot the other(s).

Hmmmm thats interesting. What should be the size of a /boot partition for a manager like grub? Is there anything special I need to do to make my computer bootable even if I trash the dist. that installed grub, or I can just install it normally?

tuxrules · 08-12-2005, 01:38 PM

Quote:

What should be the size of a /boot partition for a manager like grub?

Mine is about 100 MB, which some would argue is too much. In case you trashed your distro and you still have /boot partition then you would be able to install one...change the grub config file to point to the disc/partition and correct kernel/initrd file and you are all set to boot your new distros. That is what I do. I haven't replaced grub for a while and I keep changing my secondary distro. Primary is, obviously, Slackware

stevesk · 08-12-2005, 02:02 PM

Hehehehe ok! Thank you both for the help!