User's Manual

Section E.1:Hard Disk Basic Concepts 99
E An Introduction to Disk Partitions
Disk partitions are a standard part of the personal computer landscape and have been for quite some
time. However, with many people purchasing computers featuring preinstalled operating systems,
relatively few people understand how partitions work. This chapter attempts to explain the reasons for
and use of disk partitions so your Red Hat Linux installation will be as simple and painless as possible.
If you are reasonably comfortable with disk partitions, you could skip ahead to Section E.1.4, Making
Room For Red Hat Linux for more information on the process of freeing up disk space to prepare for
a Red Hat Linux installation. This section also discusses the partition naming scheme used by Linux
systems, sharing disk space with other operating systems, and related topics.
E.1 Hard Disk Basic Concepts
Hard disks perform a very simple function — they store data and reliably retrieve it on command.
When discussing issues such as disk partitioning, it is important to know a bit about the underlying
hardware. Unfortunately, it is easy to become bogged down in details. Therefore, we will use a simpli-
fied diagram of a disk drive to help explain what is really happening when a disk drive is partitioned.
Figure E–1, An Unused Disk Drive shows a brand-new, unused disk drive.