Re: single partition worst-case scenarios

[Adam Warner <lists@consulting.net.nz>]

I like to have two partitions: one for my data (/home) and one for
everything else (and a third for the swap file, and a physically
different hard disks for backups). Such a small number of partitions
might make me a heretic :-)

There are clear advantages to this setup:

1. I can backup/restore the entire operating system partition without
losing my data.

2. I can reformat and reinstall the operating system without losing my
data.

If possible it's always a good idea to separate the OS and your data. I
bet if you had to choose between losing your data or having to reinstall
your OS you'd go for the latter.

Your single partition worst-case scenario is if you reinstall/format the
OS partition forgetting that some of your own data also resides on the
partition.

Separating data (along with user settings) and programs is simple in
Unix-like environments. Symbolic links are your friend.

Regards,
Adam