Thanks for the article, being new to Linux this has helped me to understand the partitioning needs of a Linux install, very helpful.

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Thanks Moses. It was informative. Michael

I found you article very informative. I am a newbee. There is a tremendous amount of information out there regarding partitioning. Unfortunately, the authors seem to think they are writing for experienced programmers, not the beginning hobbiest. You, on the other hand, made it clear enough that even a beginner could understand. To date, I have just let the installation routine take care of the partitioning because I did not understand why it did what it did. Your article gives me the background to experiment. I have an Aspire h340 headless server that I am attempting to turn into a file server. In the process, I am confused regarding the partitioning of additional disks. I have a 500GB disk on which everything currently resides and 3 1TB drives that I want to add. I am running Ubuntu server. Ultimately, I would like to set it up as raid 5 and use it to back up my windows machines. I have been or foraging on the Internet for answers but most cover theory and cause more confusion than provide answers. Should I just have 1 large ext4 primary partition on each drive or should it be subdivided? If I wanted to expand to incorporate a web server later, what would I do at this stage to prepare and simplify my life later?

If anyone can point me to a good, concise, resource, I would appreciate it very much.

As the cliche goes, I know just enough about Linux to be dangerous. There are basics to every OS, and there is so much available about them that you can find your own level and go from there. I Googled this topic and found page after page dedicated to the subject. The criticism was childish and uncalled for.

That said, Linux can be frustrating, and to become truly proficient requires hours and hours of study. I used to get angry because I couldn't find and easy way to go where I wanted, and it was difficult to get the answers I needed. However, I read several books and finally began to understand the things I needed. I also joined a Linus users group, and that helps too. Most larger cities have them.

Much of what I do is performing simple tasks (aside from using Linux as a platform to what we do with computers - games, office stuff, maps, etc.). When I need to do something out of the ordinary (for me), I depend on folks like you who have taken the time to help. I thank all of you for that.

As for newbies, there are books galore, and many sources for detailed information on the internet. Take advantage. You can get answers that way. But don't criticize. Keep looking and you will find it. And feel free to ask questions. For me, the learning experience is fun. But don't be a jerk - you are the one that is hurt by that attitude.