Pulborough Computer Club
Partitioning
What is it and why might I want to do it?
It's setting up the hard disc so that it looks to the software as though it's several smaller ones.
There are several possible reasons for doing it.
- It makes possible a tidier filing system, keeping programs separate from data and segregating the data files by type, function or backup frequency.
- If running a network, it eases the task of making some files visible to other machines and keeping others private.
- It makes it possible to create program recovery discs that don't destroy data when used.
When shouldn't I do it?
You probably shouldn't do it if either
- Your hard disc has a capacity of less than say 10GB.
- Your hard disc is choc-a-block full.
How should I apportion the hard disc?
Think about what your needs are, but the following is what works for me.
| C: | Programs | About half the disc or 10GB, whichever is the smaller, should be ample for most people. Bear in mind that Windows plus Office and a graphics program only comes to about 1GB. |
| D: | Data | About 1GB. This is for data that will be part of the routine backup regime. This size is chosen because it will fit on a CD-R when compressed. |
| E: | Swap and Temp | Optional. Used to reduce C: fragmentation and to make it easy to find temporary files for deletion. 1 or 2GB is ample. Otherwise, leave this stuff on C:. |
| F: | Buffer | Optional. About 1GB. Used to collect data for writing to CD-R. |
| G: | Misc | Whatever remains. Used for storing data files that are outside the routine backup regime. This might include graphics files and movies etc. |
If you elect not to have E: or F:, subsequent drive letters change accordingly, obviously.
What do I do next?
Go here for detailed instructions on partitioning the hard disc.
When you've done that and got a working system again, go here for instructions on moving data and temp files etc. to their proper place in the new scheme of things.