UNIX for Dummies Questions & Answers

Hiya people,

A great big "HI" to everybody. I'm new to the Forum and now to my problem(s).

I am about to partition my only 80GB HD and using the Partition Magic 8 software it looks fairly simple although here is my problem :-

1. Do I change the new partition to primary or logical?
2. Do I change it to NTFS or keep it FAT32 or change it to something else?
3. Do I create a new partition or do I select the option "Install new Operating System". I haven't burnt the .ISO files yet, well I haven't downloaded them yet but I will but I think if I chose the "Install new Operating System" option, I would have to have the .ISO discs ready?

Any help would be greatly appreaciated.

Syndrome_00

1. Do I change the new partition to primary or logical?

Just with a logical partition u cannot have ur OS installed.
And it is not advisable to have format the entire HDD in to just primary partition though u can go by that way.
Recommended go for a primary partition as well as logical one.

2. Do I change it to NTFS or keep it FAT32 or change it to something else?

i dont think u can partition 80 gb hdd to FAT32 partition alone, u have to go for NTFS
The option between FAT32 and NTFS solely depends upon the user's need and how the system is going to be utilized. (for ex: NTFS security, speed, data recovery in case of a crash, journaling etc.)

3. Do I create a new partition or do I select the option "Install new Operating System". I haven't burnt the .ISO files yet, well I haven't downloaded them yet but I will but I think if I chose the "Install new Operating System" option, I would have to have the .ISO discs ready?

to be true amnt clear with this question, can u please be more specific

Ok, thanks.

I also run Windows XP if I create a new partition as primary to run Linux OS will windows then not run because you can have only one primary partition or if I created the new partition as logical to install Linux OS would both partitions (windows as primary and Linux as logical) run as normal or would I have major problems.

Also when I create a new partition can I leave it, then come back to it, to install the Linux OS or do I have to create partition and then install straight-away?

Thanks

Syndrome_00

I dont think that you need to make the Linux partition as primary. You also do not have install to a new partition immediately. You can leave it the way it is till you are ready to install.

Just make sure that you do not install Windows over an existing Linux version ever.. Windows assumes that it will be the only OS to reside on your system and will merrily overwrite the MBR and your Linux partition will be rendered non-bootable.

Hiya everyone,

Ok thanks very much, thats cleared up alot of confusing things that were holding me back from partitioning my HD. Cheers again!

Syndrome_00