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35.

So, a partition is a logical chunk of space allocated out of the entire disk. Depending on how a system is configured at installation time, there may be one or more partitions on a disk. In some instances, it is also possible to modify the layout, number and size of partitions, but this is often considered an expert's function.

36.

Many Microsoft Windows users will have just one large partition - often known as "C: drive", however it is also common for Microsoft Windows users to have multiple partitions which are labelled with successive alphabetic characters (D:, E: and so on).

37.

Similarly, with Ubuntu it's possible to install the system in exactly one partition on the disk, or spread data and applications over multiple partitions.

38.

Partitioning

39.

There are valid arguments for both scenarios. Having one single partition with all applications, libraries and data will result in a simple to manage system. It also provides flexibility as installing applications or adding data will use space from a common "pool".

40.

If you accept all the defaults when installing Ubuntu, you will end up with a system separated into two partitions on the disk. One contains all files, the other is known as "swap" which can be thought of as an extension to your computer's internal memory.

41.

Alternatively, it is possible to create multiple partitions of differing sizes into which different types of applications, libraries and data can be placed. This is often used in a multi-user or server environment where user data is kept separate from system programmes, log files and configuration files. A significant benefit to this can be seen when there is a problem on the system and log files start to grow. The log files (in one partition) will not consume all available disk space in this scenario because they will be confined to their own (small) partition of the physical disk.

42.

Which ever partitioning scheme has been chosen, this is not set in stone. It is possible to use a partition editing utility to resize partitions (subject to sufficient free space in each partition), however this is quite an advanced topic, and generally nto done while the system is in use.

43.

Whilst it is possible to change the disk partitioning layout after the system has been installed, it is important to make backups before making any changes to the partitions.

44.

About filesystems