You might be aware of the partitioning technique used to run multiple Linux distros on a PC. This method is helpful to increase the overall usability of the system. You need to follow specific strategies to keep the system working without creating unavoidable issues. Today, we will explain the Best Partition Scheme for Multiple Linux Distros to maximize the efficiency of your system.
If you plan to install various Linux distros, this guide is definitely for you. Make sure to stick to the end as we have a lot of things to discuss.
Table of Contents
What Is a Partition In Linux?
As the name suggests, Partition refers to dividing hard drives into several parts in a Linux environment. It makes it helpful to manage and operate the entire computational power of the PC. Moreover, partitioning is preferred by users who want to create different memory for different software.
Therefore, it is crucial to have in-depth knowledge of the working of Linux distros. Any miscalculated step will lead to data loss and serious software issues with the computer.
Best Partition Scheme For Multiple Linux Distros
There is no doubt that most Linux OS distributions will propose to create partitions in the system. We have to choose a suitable configuration for the same. Here is the perfect scenario for dividing the computer’s hard disk,
/home
The first partition is your /home directory, which saves user data and critical files. It functions quite similarly to the “My Documents” folder in Windows computers. New users should create a separate partition for /home to try new things. Moreover, it becomes easier to install applications and programs with a single click. If you are using a multi-user computer, every authorized person will have a separate directory under /home.
If the PC is low on space or the configuration doesn’t match, you can skip this step. Although, you can quickly delete the Linux system by removing the /home directory. This will safeguard the data present in the system. Hence, it is better to create additional partitions to prevent data loss.
Swap
The next partition is Swap, which acts as the virtual memory of your Linux computer. It becomes active while running large programs and heavy files on the system. It might not be as powerful as your RAM, but it will do the job in case of immediate requirements. Hence, some users prefer to have a backup memory if the system fails to reach the target output.
According to experts, the best Linux distro for dual boot includes Swap of half the size of your RAM. A system with less RAM and more drive memory could allocate 95% space to the partition. However, you can complement the space if you have enough RAM to spare in the PC.
If you have an older laptop, click here to see Linux Options for you.
root(/)
Last but not least, the root partition stands on the top of the hierarchy of your directory tree. It is represented using the forward-slash, unlike any other partition. You can treat it as the heart of your Linux system as it contains every program file. If you are familiar with the importance of “C” drive in Windows, root partition is nothing less than it. Therefore, a user must create a separate memory partition as the root directory.
Also, you can manipulate the scheme depending on the size of the application. An ideal root size stands between 2GB to 8GB in a standard computer. If you download heavy programs, it requires more space accordingly. Make sure to provide at least 200MB more than the threshold requirement of root size.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you are still not convinced with our best partition scheme for multiple Linux distros guide, here is a list of users’ FAQs. Also, you will get a technical opinion from our experts along with a proper explanation of every aspect included.
FAQs
Can I Have Multiple Linux Distros?
Yes, you can get multiple Linux distros on a hard drive until you dual-boot the system. Some users have installed 5-6 Linux distros on a single computer. Therefore, you won’t be facing any significant problems.
How Many Partitions Should I Have for Linux?
Every user has their own preferences for diving the Linux PC into multiple segments. However, experts believe that the limit should not exceed any more than 3. These three partitions could be termed Root, Swap, & Home.
Can Two Linux Distros Share the Same Home Partition?
There is no issue if several Linux distributions share a common Home partition. However, it is recommended to create the same GID and UID for some users. Some programs might crash in the long run if the configurations mismatch.
What Partitions Should I Use for Linux?
As per the latest conventions, it is better to use ext3 & ext4 file systems in the new-gen computers. These are faster and have a ‘self-cleaning feature to save time while defragging the drives. Although, you must keep at least 25% of free space for the most optimal performance.
See also: Best Linux Games that Everyone You Should Play in 2023
Conclusion
In the end, you are now familiar with the best partition scheme for multiple Linux distros. Further, you can easily divide your computer’s memory to increase overall productivity and complete tasks quickly. If you are not sure about any procedure, kindly contact a technician for multiboot Linux distros. It will eliminate the risk of accidentally deleting any critical data from the computer.
