File Structure

Stephanie · 07-17-2001, 11:07 AM

this may seem like a dumb question, but I was wondering about the file structure on Linux.

I have these partitions:
/
/usr
/home
/var
/tmp
swap

Now which one one these stores libraries and other main system components? Is it /, because I thought that was actually an account home partition.

mcleodnine · 07-17-2001, 11:30 AM

Practically speaking, all is under root or '/', doesn't really matter which partitions they are, just where and how they are mounted.

In general, binaries, and libraries for packages are under /usr. home directories are under /home ('cept for root users's home which is - wait for it... /root). My logs and mail/fax live under /var.

Again the confusion arises out of the 'root' user or group (root), 'root' of the filesystem (/), and the 'root' home (/root). Common mistake.

jostber · 07-19-2001, 05:59 AM

Here is an overview of the directory structures in Linux:

http://www.linux.com/newsitem.phtml?sid=60&aid=9027