Another newb question- quick one.

I had installed Linux with no trouble. But for a "nextime" install (like on a new machine), what is the "rule of thumb" for partitioning Linux drives???

Do I have to first create a 'root' partition followed by 'swap' and then 'home'???

What is the exact order of Linux partitioning???

I would like to add this in my installation notes

Does not really matter, but at least try putting /boot in the beginning (lilo used to have issues with /boot not being close enough to the beginning of disk geometry, i don't think its an issue anymore). here's the order for my partition creation on (say) /dev/hda -- 40 GB

/dev/hda1 -- 100 M /boot
/dev/hda2 -- 1000 M swap
/dev/hda3 -- 10 GB /var
/dev/hda4 -- rest

If i have more space i start splitting off /home and /root, etc. again it does not really matter in which order they are created, its all about aestetic value of seeing your partions mounted in order. btw i usually create / partition last as i have some specific requirements for other partitions and know that not too many things will go into / so i give it whatever is left over after my partitioning scheme is satisfied. Just have a clear idea on how you want your harddrive to be split and you will have no problems deciding what goes when and where.