i need help furthering partitioning the "/" partition

asilentmurmur · 03-23-2006, 08:06 AM

hey everyone,

I got slackware 10.2 to install under the / partition on my Sata harddrive, how do i furtherpartition the / so i can also have /usr /home /root etc?

ralvez · 03-23-2006, 09:03 AM

I usually boot from the Slack disk and then instead of starting the install (after I booted) I from the command line type fdisk /dev/hda.
That starts the program that will allow you to partition your HD (there is another but I never used it).
Plan the size of your partitions, because once you installed there is no way go re-size them; unless of course you delete and start all over.
This is an example of the partition on my 40 GB HD.

hda1 SWAP - 1.0G
hda2 / - 3.0 GB
hda3 /boot - 16 MB
hda4 ==== Extended ====
hda 5 /opt - 3.0 GB
hda6 /usr - 6.0 GB
hda7 /home - all the rest of the HD

Hope this helps.

Rick

Randux · 03-23-2006, 10:12 AM

I got a lot of good advice from the guys here for my desktop setup and I'm pretty happy with it. What I decided on was only two partitions, root (/) and /home.

It depends on what you want. If you are setting up a desktop, I still think this is the best way to go. Instead of you having to figure out how to allocate space across a bunch of partitions and potentially waste (not use) space, allocate a big enough root and all your stuff will have room to grow without babysitting it. And if you have a separate /home you can reinstall without losing your user directories.

If you are setting up a server, then my comments don't apply but there are guys on the board who can advise you.

Like Rick said you can use the Slackware installer as a live CD or any other good live CD and do all the partitioning you want. I would also remind you that if you want to run *BSD then save a physical partition for it since it will not run in a logical partition.

onebuck · 03-23-2006, 03:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by asilentmurmur

hey everyone,

I got slackware 10.2 to install under the / partition on my Sata harddrive, how do i furtherpartition the / so i can also have /usr /home /root etc?

Hi,

I would suggest you to look at shilo's site (#11 in my sig)

To partition now is not a problem if you have open space.

MY fdisk -l for a laptop;

Code:

Disk /dev/hda: 40.0 GB, 40007761920 bytes
255 heads, 63 sectors/track, 4864 cylinders
Units = cylinders of 16065 * 512 = 8225280 bytes

   Device Boot      Start         End      Blocks   Id  System
/dev/hda1   *           1         499     4008186    c  W95 FAT32 (LBA)
/dev/hda2             500         561      498015   82  Linux swap
/dev/hda3             562         811     2008125   83  Linux
/dev/hda4             812        4864    32555722+   5  Extended
/dev/hda5             812        1061     2008093+  83  Linux
/dev/hda6            1062        1438     3028221   83  Linux
/dev/hda7            1439        1563     1004031   83  Linux
/dev/hda8            1564        2062     4008186   83  Linux

my fstab for this laptop;

Code:

/dev/hda2        swap             swap        defaults         0   0
/dev/hda3        /                ext3        defaults         1   1
/dev/hda5        /home            ext3        defaults         1   2
/dev/hda8        /usr             ext3        defaults         1   2
#
#12-31-05 12:00 gws old /usr
#/dev/hda6        /usr             ext3        defaults         1   2

/dev/hda6        /archive         ext3        defaults         1   2
/dev/hda7        /tmp             ext3        defaults         1   2
/dev/hda1        /mnt/win98       vfat        defaults         1   0
/dev/cdrom       /mnt/cdrom       auto        noauto,owner,ro  0   0
/dev/fd0         /mnt/floppy      auto        noauto,owner     0   0
devpts           /dev/pts         devpts      gid=5,mode=620   0   0
proc             /proc            proc        defaults         0   0

Partitioning can be personal taste and what works for me may not meet you needs. Experiment smart and you won't have problems.

The ease of changing a system with a personal scheme can save time and effort if done wisely.

HTH!

asilentmurmur · 03-23-2006, 04:43 PM

so do i have to make these partitions with in the "/" partition? or do i make each partition seperately and format them all as linux? Some of the posts that replied to me werent that clear lol

onebuck · 03-23-2006, 05:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by asilentmurmur

so do i have to make these partitions with in the "/" partition? or do i make each partition seperately and format them all as linux? Some of the posts that replied to me werent that clear lol

Hi,

If you have the hard disk space free then you can create a extended partition.

Say you have /dev/hda4 not assigned. You should be root or as I like to do is use the install cd1 to boot. Then you can use fdisk or cfdisk for /dev/hda by;

Code:

#fdisk /dev/hda

or

Code:

#cfdisk /dev/hda

You will create a extended partition with the free allocation of space. Then you will create partitions for your desired system. Possibly;

/dev/hda5 /home
/dev/hda6 /usr
/dev/hda7 /tmp
/dev/hda8 /your_whatever
/dev/hda9 /your_another

Allocating the space to each partition as the system needs up to the available space that was free. Of course you will have to edit the fstab to reflect the partition changes.

Reading some of the online reference will help you! Rute is another good one. Put some research effort into this and the rewards will far out weigh the the struggle.

edit: side note, too many people want their hand held and to be cookbooked for installs. Be for Linux, MSwin or whatever. Heck google or LQ searches would give one loads of information on the Linux questions. Research is not that hard!

HTH!

ctos · 03-23-2006, 05:09 PM

Format them separately as linux, and then either as part of the setup program or by later editing /etc/fstab, indicate what partition mounts to what part of the directory structure. I'm sort of guessing that there's nothing on your HD that you're trying to preserve. I don't think btw that you can "further partition" after install. You have to partition, then install to a partition. I haven't done it enough times to be able to explain it perfectly...

SaintsOfTheDiamond · 03-23-2006, 06:51 PM

I was looking for a more "grown up" partitioning scheme following my intial Slack install and after reading the forums here this is how I set up my main desktop box before my last reformat/reinstall.

Code:

Filesystem            Size  Used Avail Use% Mounted on
/dev/hdd7             4.7G  837M  3.9G  18% /
/dev/hdd6              48M   36M   12M  75% /boot
/dev/hdd8             4.7G  912M  3.8G  20% /usr
/dev/hdd9              19G  901M   18G   5% /home
/dev/hdd1              49G   14G   36G  28% /dev/windows

I also left about 80GB unpartitioned for later experimenting/extra storage/etc. I'll probably tweak that setup a little more next time I get around to it but I've had that running for about a month now I guess and it seems to be working just fine for me.

onebuck · 03-23-2006, 07:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ctos

Format them separately as linux, and then either as part of the setup program or by later editing /etc/fstab, indicate what partition mounts to what part of the directory structure. I'm sort of guessing that there's nothing on your HD that you're trying to preserve. I don't think btw that you can "further partition" after install. You have to partition, then install to a partition. I haven't done it enough times to be able to explain it perfectly...

Hi,

No problem with the basic response but;

Quote:

I don't think btw that you can "further partition" after install.

If you have open free space on the hard disk and not all primary have been assigned. Then you can partition either primary or extended for the available partition number.

Then you will need to edit the fstab if the partition is to be mounted or if it is directory needed for the os.

HTH!

asilentmurmur · 03-23-2006, 07:45 PM

how do i make an extended partition? thats whats confusing me.

syg00 · 03-23-2006, 08:26 PM

asilentmurmur, as far as I can see you haven't said whether you are planning prior to an install, or you are trying to alter an already installed system.
Answers above presume one or the other - hence more confusion.

Creating an extended is done from {c}fdisk - if you don't have the option, you already have 4 primary partitions.
Let's see the output from "fdisk -l" (ell, as in list).

muskrat · 03-24-2006, 12:51 AM

Quote:

o do i have to make these partitions with in the "/" partition? or do i make each partition seperately and format them all as linux?

No, you can not make a partion within "/". "/"root is on it's own partion, you can mount other partions alone with root, which looks like they are mounted on root. Maybe it would be clearer if you understand partions are invisable within the linux tree. In M$ you see drive C:, D: , etc. and each have thier own file tree. In linux we have one tree starting on "/" root which then contains /home, /etc, /mnt, etc. Any one of these could be on seperate partions. If you have installed them onto one partion then it's diffacult to move them, if not in some cases (depending on the folder) impossible.

Quote:

how do i make an extended partition? thats whats confusing me.

Extended partions are done when you have used up the frist three partions, then the fourth partion should be extended because linux only allows for 4 primary partions, those choices are made in cfdisk or your choice of partioning software. All other partions, 5 and up should be extended.

It's adviced to partion frist before instalation, some people say just partion the part you want to use and leave the rest free space to use later. But I've had trouble doing that, sometimes. So my prefered method is to setup all my partions but I don't format them until I decide to use them.

I hope that helps.

onebuck · 03-24-2006, 12:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by muskrat

No, you can not make a partion within "/". "/"root is on it's own partion, you can mount other partions alone with root, which looks like they are mounted on root. Maybe it would be clearer if you understand partions are invisable within the linux tree. In M$ you see drive C:, D: , etc. and each have thier own file tree. In linux we have one tree starting on "/" root which then contains /home, /etc, /mnt, etc. Any one of these could be on seperate partions. If you have installed them onto one partion then it's diffacult to move them, if not in some cases (depending on the folder) impossible.

Extended partions are done when you have used up the frist three partions, then the fourth partion should be extended because linux only allows for 4 primary partions, those choices are made in cfdisk or your choice of partioning software. All other partions, 5 and up should be extended.

It's adviced to partion frist before instalation, some people say just partion the part you want to use and leave the rest free space to use later. But I've had trouble doing that, sometimes. So my prefered method is to setup all my partions but I don't format them until I decide to use them.

I hope that helps.

Hi,

First you are presenting misinformation! You can move within a tree to parts within another portion of the tree. You could create a partition as extended if not all primary are used. Then create a logical within the extended to have whatever reside on this partition, you then could mount this on the tree be it at / , /home or wherever on that /. Just maintain the proper tree order.

As for the moving of part of the tree. That is very feasible. You could create a partition on another /dev/hdb# or even on current physical drive if space or assignments are available. Then in single user mode just do the move to said partition then edit the fstab to reflect the change. As long as you have the space available to create a partition for primary or extended you are able to create multiple partitions with the desired content on that partition. You would still need to reflect the changes within /etc/fstab. Yes, you still have to maintain tree order.

NOTE: Certain / tree parts of the os should not be moved.
/etc, /sbin, /lib as example because of the needs during initial loading. /boot can reside on a small partition by itself.

As for the extended partition requirement to be set for 4. That is not correct. If you want you could create a extended partition for 3. Allocate space for desired amount and then create logical partitions with space allocations for each logical. Yes the normal convention is to use the primary 4 as the extended partition but it is not required. Heck you could use 2 to create the extended. Sure the first logical will be 5 for any of these scenario.

I cannot see where I would use this type of configuring but the technique can be done.

I too agree one should set up the partition scheme before installation. The install will go a lot easier if you put some thought and reasoning before hand.

HTH!

muskrat · 03-24-2006, 04:55 PM

Quote:

First you are presenting misinformation! You can move within a tree to parts within another portion of the tree. You could create a partition as extended if not all primary are used. Then create a logical within the extended to have whatever reside on this partition, you then could mount this on the tree be it at / , /home or wherever on that /. Just maintain the proper tree order.

I didn't make myself clear, I'm sorry I wasn't trying to present false information, infact I was only trying to present the basics since I presumed he wasn't advanced. even your above paragraph leaves me thinking, though I know it's right.

Quote:

As for the moving of part of the tree. That is very feasible. You could create a partition on another /dev/hdb# or even on current physical drive if space or assignments are available. Then in single user mode just do the move to said partition then edit the fstab to reflect the change. As long as you have the space available to create a partition for primary or extended you are able to create multiple partitions with the desired content on that partition. You would still need to reflect the changes within /etc/fstab. Yes, you still have to maintain tree order.

NOTE: Certain / tree parts of the os should not be moved.
/etc, /sbin, /lib as example because of the needs during initial loading. /boot can reside on a small partition by itself.

My point exactly some portions of the tree you can't/shouldn't move such as the ones you listed, once again maybe I didn't make myself clear, I'm sorry. But I was and still advice one to make these decissions before instalation. It can be done after but it isn't as easy.

Quote:

As for the extended partition requirement to be set for 4. That is not correct. If you want you could create a extended partition for 3. Allocate space for desired amount and then create logical partitions with space allocations for each logical. Yes the normal convention is to use the primary 4 as the extended partition but it is not required. Heck you could use 2 to create the extended. Sure the first logical will be 5 for any of these scenario.

Again I'm sorry I didn't make myself clear, What I was trying to say was, well lets take a sinario, if I build 4 primary partions, then I would be unable to build any extended. But like you say I can begin my extended anywhere, the extended uses one primary number, wither it's 2, 3, or 4. That leaves you with only three more chances at a primary. provide you didn't use the entire drive on your extended. Which is what it defaults to.

onebuck · 03-26-2006, 10:56 AM

Hi,

No apology needed! You just need to clarify want was meant. I think the responsiblity of presenting the information in a proper form is required when speaking to in-experienced users.

Yes, clarity is important. Our society is on such a fast pace we tend to be conditioned that we must respond quickly, be for written or oral communication.

Quote:

I didn't make myself clear, I'm sorry I wasn't trying to present false information, infact I was only trying to present the basics since I presumed he wasn't advanced. even your above paragraph leaves me thinking, though I know it's right.

I never said false information! The misinformation is different in that the completeness was not there. Possibly a thought that was over looked by you or my not interpretting the information. As for presuming, that can get you into some elementary problems.

Quote:

GWS-03-24-06;

First you are presenting misinformation! You can move within a tree to parts within another portion of the tree. You could create a partition as extended if not all primary are used. Then create a logical within the extended to have whatever reside on this partition, you then could mount this on the tree be it at / , /home or wherever on that /. Just maintain the proper tree order.

What part is not clear? Maybe I too wasn't clear enough about the move part within the tree. As stated above you can move parts of the tree to other parts of a tree. Yes, your search path would need be adjusted if you break the order. Another thought was that we were discussing the move of parts to another partition possibly on another drive and/or partition on the same drive. My ommision here. As pointed this will happen to anyone. My self included!

As for your later statement;

Quote:

Again I'm sorry I didn't make myself clear, What I was trying to say was, well lets take a sinario, if I build 4 primary partions, then I would be unable to build any extended. But like you say I can begin my extended anywhere, the extended uses one primary number, wither it's 2, 3, or 4. That leaves you with only three more chances at a primary. provide you didn't use the entire drive on your extended. Which is what it defaults to.

Supports what has been said. Your meaning is now clear.

I do stand by my previous statements about thinking out the partition scheme beforehand. This way you won't get into trouble. If space is not a problem then a noob should experiment with / tree on one drive. Whenever the day(s) come then get into the partition for efficiency.

I apologize for the late response.