November 18, 2011
Understanding Your New Linux Server Partitions
Unlike Windows, Linux-based operating systems do not typically keep all of the user’s data under the same house, or even within the same partition. This has to do with the coding differences between the two operating systems, but if you’re a new Unix user, you may be surprised to suddenly find a closet full of partitions locked away under the hood of your hard drive. This might be a difficult concept to comprehend, but Linux really does need those separate walls to keep your information and server safe. However, if you’d like to understand what these areas are doing on a deeper level, we feel you have the right to an education. With that in mind, check below for an introductory look at what each of the most common Linux hard drive partitions accomplish!
Before going any further, though, we’d just like to mention that your server may not have all of these partitions. Depending on the distro, you may have as little as two separations on the disc, or you may have half a dozen: There’s no way to know unless you look!
That being said, the first partition worth mentioning is the root partition, which is often labeled “/”. This is where all of your system files are kept, usually out of harms way. These files include your /etc, /lib, etc. locations, each of which benefit from a little wiggle room.
Next, your server likely has a /swap partition. This is a key part of what it means to own a Linux server, and the fact that it exists shouldn’t trouble you in the slightest. Your OS uses this space to simulate RAM, allowing the system to breathe when it performs computations. Furthermore, this space is only used when the RAM is fully engaged, though this may change depending on the hardware set.
These are the most common forms of Linux partitioning, though there are several more that may exist on your system. For starters, the /usr partition houses all of your executable binaries, kernel source files, and documentation. There’s also the potential for a /var partition that takes care of your mail spool directories, logs, and web server virtual hosts. Finally, you might also have a /tmp partition, which does exactly what you’d hope: This space houses all of your temporary files, and is typically only engaged when security is a must on the server.Popular LinksCategories: Linux Web Hosting |
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