Hard Disk allocation in FreeBSD/i386 architecture

A pc hard disk can be subdivided into multiple blocks. These blocks are calledPartition). Since FreeBSD also has the concept of partitioning, such naming can easily lead to confusion. Therefore, we call it disk slice or slices in FreeBSD. For example, FreeBSD provides a tool for operations on PC disk partitions.FdiskIt is called slice rather than partition. For design reasons, each Hard Disk supports only four partitions. these partitions are calledPrimary Partition). To break through this restriction so that more partitions can be used, a new partition type is available, calledExtended partition). A hard disk can have an extended partition. You can create many so-calledLogical Partition).

Each partition has its ownPartition ID)To differentiate the Data Types of each partition. The Partition Number of the FreeBSD partition is165.

Generally, each operating system has its own unique way to differentiate partitions. For example, in DOS and Windows, each primary partition and logical partition is assignedDrive characters, FromC:Start.

FreeBSD must be installed in the primary partition. FreeBSD can store system data or any files you create on this partition. However, if you have multiple hard disks, you can create a freebsd partition on these disks (all or part. When installing FreeBSD, you must have a partition for FreeBSD. This partition can be an unplanned partition or a partition that already exists and contains data but you no longer need it.

If you have used up all the partitions on your hard disk, you must use the tools provided by other operating systems (such as DoS or WindowsFdisk) To free up a partition for FreeBSD.

If a partition has extra space, you can use it. However, you need to sort out these partitions before using them.

FreeBSD requires a minimum installation of about 100 MB, but this is onlyVeryThere is almost no space to create your own files. An ideal minimum installation is 250 MB, excluding the graphic interface; or more than 350 MB, including the graphic interface. If you need to install a suite from another third-party manufacturer, more hard disk space is required.

You can use commercial software, suchPartitionmagic(Hard disk partition magician) or similarGpartedThis free tool adjusts the partition size to free up space for FreeBSD. FreeBSDToolsThe directory contains two free tools to do this:FIPSAndPresizerTheir documents can be found in the same directory.FIPS,Presizer, AndPartitionmagicCan Change fat16And FAT32Partition size-they can be used in MS-DOS and Windows ME systems. The tool description file can be found in the same directory.PartitionmagicAndGpartedNTFS can be changed.Partition size.GpartedIt is available in many live CD Linux releases, such as systemrescumcm.

There are reports that problems may occur when you change the size of Microsoft Vista partitions. When performing this operation, we recommend that you prepare a vista to install CDROM. Like other disk maintenance operations, we strongly recommend that you back up your data in advance.

Warning:Improper use of these tools may delete data on your hard disk! Before using these tools, make sure that you have the most recent and correct backup data.

Example 2-1. Use an existing Partition

Assume that you only have a 4 GB hard disk and have installed Windows. Then, you divide the hard disk into two partitions.C:AndD:, The size of each partition is 2 GB. InC:Partitions store 1 GB of data,D:Partitions store 0.5 GB of data.

This means that your disk has two partitions, one drive symbol is one partition (such as C:, d :). You can store allD:Copy data on the partitionC:Partition, so that a partition (d :) is empty for FreeBSD.

Example 2-2. Reduce existing partitions

Assume that you only have a 4 GB hard disk and have installed windows. When you install Windows, you have given all 4 GBC:Partition, and 1.5 GB space is used. You want to use 2 GB of the remaining space for FreeBSD.

To install FreeBSD, You must select one of the following two methods:

1. Back up windows data, reinstall windows, and allocate 2 GB space to Windows.

2. UsePartitionmagicTo organize or cut your partitions.