Disk partitioning is the process of dividing a hard drive into logical parts so that you can store different directories and files on separate partitions. This allows you to have more storage locations for your data, making it easier to manage your files. However, it’s important to note that the file system saved in the partition affects space management, access permissions, and directory search ways.
How Does Disk Partitioning Work?
The first step in preparing a newly installed disk is to partition it before you create any file systems. Information about the partition locations and sizes is stored in the partition table, which is read by the operating system before any other part of the disk. Each partition then appears to the system as a separate “logical” disk using part of the actual disk.
System administrators use a partition editor to create, resize, delete, and manipulate partitions. Partitioning allows the use of different file systems for different types of files and separating user data from system data can prevent the system partition from becoming full and unusable. It can also make it easier to perform backups. However, it can be difficult to size partitions correctly, resulting in having one partition with too much free space and another almost fully allocated.
Types of Partitions
Partitions are classified as primary and extended partitions. One MBR disk can be divided into 4 primary partitions at most or 3 primary partitions plus 1 extended partition. And the extended partition can be divided into multiple logical partitions. As for a GPT disk, it can be divided into 128 primary partitions at most without extended partition.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What are the benefits of disk partitioning?
Disk partitioning allows you to have more storage locations for your data, making it easier to manage your files. It also allows different file systems to be installed for different types of files, can help prevent the system partition from becoming full and unusable, and make it easier to perform backups.
What are the drawbacks of disk partitioning?
The drawback of disk partitioning is that it can be difficult to size the partitions accurately, resulting in one partition with too much free space and another almost fully allocated.
How many partitions can I create?
On an MBR disk, you can create a maximum of 4 primary partitions or 3 primary partitions plus 1 extended partition. An extended partition can be divided into multiple logical partitions. On a GPT disk, you can create up to 128 primary partitions.
Final Thoughts
Disk partitioning allows users to divide a hard drive into several logical parts to store files on different partitions. It has its benefits and drawbacks, but when done correctly, it can make data management and backup easier. Just remember that space management, access permissions, and directory search ways depend on the file system saved in the partition.
