Disappearing hd gigs

[flumixt]

In the simplest possible terms:

I installed a Linux to a 4 gig HD logical partition. It now shows 0.3MB in use and 1 gig Free.

Where did the other 3 gigs get to?

The other partitions haven't changed. The total gigs are the same. The total gigs in the Extension are the same. Has this partition got gigs it ain't showing?

 

[Eguy]

What are you using to display the partition information?
When you installed Linux, how did you set up the partitioning?
/boot partition, /usr /etc swap file partitions...

Ed


Please let me know if the suggestion(s) I provide are helpful to you.
Sometimes you're the windshield... Sometimes you're the bug.

 

[flumixt]

I just split the HD into a primary C then the extension into 2 partitions D, E. No idea what is a boot partition, swap file partition etc. how to make em or where to put em.

W98 on C works. Linux on D works but is sluggish.

Really I just took a fly at it. Musta done sumthing wrong. Maybe somebody could point me at a good reference to study or explicit directions to follow.

 

[Eguy]

No idea what is a boot partition, swap file partition etc. how to make em or where to put em.

I think you may be in over your head.

What version of Linux are you using? There is tons of free info on the net.

Ed

Please let me know if the suggestion(s) I provide are helpful to you.
Sometimes you're the windshield... Sometimes you're the bug.

 

[paskuda]

flumixt,
let us know what distribution of Linux you installed, it'll be easier to give you detailed instructions then.
Anyway (I'm not using Linux anymore, but these informations should not be outdated), general steps are:
1. Create some free space on your HDD. Just delete partitions you don't need so it shows as "unused". Then, create two partitions - one will serve as swap partition, second as main (/) linux mountpoint. Note their sizes. I usually set swap's size 512MB.
2. During installation process you will have to specify where to install Linux, and which partition to use as swap space (actually, swap partition IS optional, but you want it). Partitions in linux are not D: or E:, they will most like be /dev/hda2 and /dev/hda3 - but I can't guarantee it, so that's where you read your notes about sizes and choose correct ones. Installer should format them with default filesystem. If asked whether you want to partition your drive - answer "no", you already have them.
3. Follow the directions

As I said, I've stopped using Linux almost 2 years ago and I have not much experience with newest distros and their installers, but if you provide more information I might be able to help more. You will also find valuable information here.

Mike

 

[flumixt]

Thanx for the comeback:

I chose Xandro Open Version 3.01 after looking at several. Tried to install Correl but it wouldn't take. Beatrix wouldn't either.

Eguy: You are correct I'm in over my head.

Paskuda: I bookmarked that link and copied your post.

I studied till my eyes contra rotated and finally decided it was necessary to get a program going so it would start to make some sense. Don't have to do this; just want to. Looks like its a bit uphill.

I may give it up. I'm not unhappy with Windows, just wanted to try it Linux. Maybe its not for everybody.

 

[Eguy]

flumixt;

Don't give up! Like I said there is a ton of free info to be had. I am not familiar with the Xandro distro of linux. Take a look at Red Hat or Mandrake. Both have a very good install interface and the X-windows interface is easy to use.

Hope this helps.

Ed


Please let me know if the suggestion(s) I provide are helpful to you.
Sometimes you're the windshield... Sometimes you're the bug.

 

[paskuda]

flumixt,
it IS for everybody. I agree with Eguy, try using Mandrake or Fedora (Red Hat is commercial now). Also, if you just want to see what's Linux like - get Aurox Live, it's a distro that runs straight from CD, no need to install it on your hard drive. Their website is located here.

 

[flumixt]

Conquered it!!

Had the comp/partitions so messed up I thot it'd have to be junked. Finally did the one trick I had left; reinstalled Xandros over the first install with the Custom Install and this time PAID ATTENTION. All clusters accounted for. W/98 and X/3.01 both functioning.

Onward..............

Gentlemen I can't argue with your assessment of the various Linux programs. I chose Xandros for a variety of reasons and since its now functioning for me I'll continue with it till I get ME functioning properly. Then I'll start looking around. Otherwise I'll just be thrashing this way and that and get noplace. My SIL has Mandrake on disk so I'll get input from him on that (as soon as his 16 year old daughter installs it).

I've copied all your posts and will get to em and thanx for the encouragement without which I would have guv it all up.

-plx

 

[Eguy]

flumixt,

Conquered it!!

Great!!!
I love it when a plan comes together </Hannibal Smith>

Ed

P.S. Be sure to check out the Linux forums right here in Tek-Tips.

Please let me know if the suggestion(s) I provide are helpful to you.
Sometimes you're the windshield... Sometimes you're the bug.