[plug] FileSystems and mount points

[Anthony J. Breeds-Taurima]

On Thu, 24 Jun 1999, Bradley Browne wrote:

> * I realize that it is best to make a separate partition for the spool
> files and stuff (/var I think) so that you don't fill your root
> partition.

... Yup so log files and spool directories don fill up your / partition.
fun things can happen if there is no room to create files in /tmp :)

> * I realize that some people have a /boot partition but why ?

... I do it mainly on older machines to get arround the 1024 cylndar (sp?)
problem that paluged older BIOS's.

> * I have a separate /home partition so that I don't have to delete all
> my files every time I re-install.
> * Also, if I were to be spanning the file system over two IDE drives
> would there be any speed advantages to different configurations ?

Probably BUT thats one for the experts :)
> * Why does the Redhat installation guide recommend /usr and /usr/local
> partitions?

... For the same reason you have a /home data on this partition will surive a
complete reinstall.
 
> I am sure that I have not exhausted my line of questioning and so if you
> know of any great resources that tell me *why* I should adopt a
> particular strategy I would much appreciate it.

... Well I have two approaches that I use ... which depends on machine
function and haardware

1)
/boot                .... First partition 20Mb'ish
swap
/
/home
/var
/usr
/usr/local

This one "seems" reasonable traditional etc etc ... I recon it give a
resonable ammount of stability and flexiblity etc etc.  I tend to use this on
largeish machines.

2)
/
swap
/var/mnt

I use this one at home ... Here /var/mnt is a large 6Gb software raid device
that I just place where I need it with symlinks:

ie
/home      -> /var/mnt/home
/usr       -> /var/mnt/usr
/usr/local -> /var/mnt/local

this one id fun :)

Anyway thats just what I do.  does that help at all ... or just make your life
harder ???

Yours Tony.