The need for partitions arises because of the computer's dependence on 'clusters' , or blocks of information. The larger the disk size, the larger the cluster. When a file is stored on a disk, it occupies a whole number of clusters. Partitioning reduces disk size, thereby reducing fixed cluster size, thus saving space.

Partitions have other advantages. You could create a 'data' partition to maintain documents, pictures, music files, etc. It then becomes a lot easier to backup just that partition than an entire drive. Again, if your computer crashes, the data can be recovered if it is segregated from the programme files. You can also maintain a separate partition for an image of your C: drive, so you can restore it in an emergency.

DISK PARTIONING PROCEDURE:

Windows provides a tool called Fdisk. To use it, boot from the startup disk and type FDisk at the prompt. If your hard drive is larger than 2 GB, you will be asked whether you want to enable large disk support. Answer 'Yes', and you get to the main menu. Among the listed options, Option 4 displays partition information for the current disk, and offers information on logical partitions within extended partitions.

Be cautious here, when asked whether you wish to delete existing partitions before proceeding. Deleting the wrong partition is hazardous.

Option 2 is used to set up an 'active' partition, while Option 1 enables you to create other partitions. You can fix partition sizes in Megabytes or according to percentage of the total drive. Repeat this for the balance space, until the entire disk is accounted for. Once through, you must reboot and format the new drives. Drive letters may change and, though you still have only one actual drive, each partition may show up as a different one.

WEB RESOURCES:

Though FDisk is powerful, it can be user-unfriendly. It does not allow you to modify partitions without wiping the computer memory clean.

But there are other tools, including the more popular Partition Magic and Boot Magic. These have user-friendly graphic interfaces, and support a large number of file formats. They also leave your data intact.

One last thing. There is always the chance of losing data while using any partitioning utility. Therefore, performing a complete backup operation first is highly recommended.

ADDITIONAL LINKS:

-- Hard Disk Partitioning: Why and How
-- A Tutorial On Hard Disk Partitioning On PCs

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