RHEL 5 basic build and a Build for Oracle 10g r2
 

I am new to linux and I need to setup a sand box for Basic linux setup.

What is a good base partition setup for a generic Server?

What is a good base build for a Oracle 10g r2 build
2 cpu - 4 gb ram server
The RHEl 5 has the LVM now which is very new to me

as you can tell I am very green with Linux but I need to get a basic build setup -- if anyone has some documentation or basic how to's it would be great to review.
I am planning on attending a LINUX class but like any place I need to setup some test boxes now any documentation on the Linux build side would be great:
Partitions
LVM
Memory settings
Etc..

There is an Oracle document that outlines how you should set up your RHEL system. I'd do what it says, since Oracle can be a bit picky. I've followed their guidelines for a few systems before with very good luck.

But, have your DBA (or someone with access to the Oracle knowledgebase or support line), call Oracle, and make sure what kernel rev. you need, or if there are any specific versions of software required. That bit me once, and our 'crack' DBA's blamed everything else for six months. A consultant noticed it in 15 minutes, and we backreved the kernel, and all was well.

Mmh Tbone's right when he says oracle can be picky. It can also be a huge pain at times. I ran it on CentOS 5.1, my documentation is at http://orangespike.ca/?q=node/60 might provide an insight or two. Who knows.