explain mounting to me
 

I know how to do can someone jst explain the concept to me why we use it and what it does? thanks

"explain the concept to me"

Linux uses one large file tree. This tree spreads across all devices which are capable of supporting file systems. You can insert new devices into the file tree using the mount command. You can take devices out of the file tree using the umount command.

For example: I have an unused partition on /dev/hda4. If I want to use this partition to store /home while I rearrange the other partitions I could do the following:
mkdir /storehome
mount /dev/hda4 /storehome
cp /home/* /storehome -R

and /home is now duplicated on /storehome.

Or if I want to insert a CD-ROM at /home/user/software I put the CD in the drive and:
mount -t is09660 /dev/cdrom /home/user/software
and the files on the CD appear in the file tree at /home/user/software.

When I am through with the CD:
umount /home/user/software

___________________________________
Be prepared. Create a LifeBoat CD.
http://users.rcn.com/srstites/LifeBo...home.page.html

Steve Stites

this may seem alien and confusing to you, but look at it from the looking glass.... "C:" ???? what the hell does "C" have to do with anything at all??? Windows loves dearly to pretend real thigs don't exist, yet happily sticks to the rule of 1 partition, 1 drive letter... totally illogical when you see the benefits of a single filesystem tree.

what are the benefits of a single file system tree anyways?

try googling
http://www.onlamp.com/lpt/a/onlamp/2...lesystems.html

basically with a single tree, there is absolutely no restriction on file locations, you install and manage software independently of physical devices. you can easily nail on and remove physical items without changing the way a system behaves at all.

Perhaps these will help:

# Linux filesystem structure
Directory Navigation Help File
Filesystems, Directories, and Devices Help File
Proper Filesystem Layout

# Managing drives
LNAG - Accessing my drives
Rute - Device Mounting