Disk Partition Scheme with cfdisk

Hey, I'm setting up a disk partition scheme with cfdisk in Damn Small Linux (DSL). I'm going to use the computer as a server for a few things including massive file backups (from windows machines).

What sort of partition scheme would you all recommend? I'm thinking of either A) two partitions: one for the OS and another comprising the remained of the HD or B) three partitions: one for the OS, another for windows files and a third for "other."

What do you think?

 

The Linux OS usually requires a minimum of 2 primary partitions; the root partition and the <swap> partition. The rule of thumb for the size of the <swap> is 2x the maximum ram expected to be installed. Occasionaly, there will also be a third partition - boot. This is usually 10 - 50 megs or so and includes the boot loader and config files. I'd recommend a 3 partition system: boot, root and swap. As a server, you may have a better level of system integrity to boot to a separate boot partition. As far as Windows files are concerned - there's no advantage to having a separate partition space. To be usable by Linux, the separate partiton must still be a mounted volume and if it's in Fat16 or Fat32 it needs more software to translate and map that file system into the Linux space. Since there is no C: drive and D: drive etc. ( ie: all mounted volumes are merged into a unified directory tree structure) there really is no need for a separate partition.

 

Thanks promethoes, that answered my question PERFECTLY.

 

Superb! And thankyou for the feedback.