I am new to Linux, I have installed Ubuntu Desktop to my machine, and this post is about Ubuntu Desktop, not Server. However, as I do researches about Ubuntu and learn something about it, I have encountered partition schemes and logical volumes. So, I have some questions on my mind. First of all, my machine is dual boot Windows and Ubuntu. It has 2 disks, 256 GB SSD and 1 TB HDD. I am planning to use Ubuntu as a secondary OS, and I will learn how to use it slowly. Therefore, I have allocated 50 GB in SSD and 150 GB in HDD for Ubuntu, the rest goes for Windows.
1-I have learned that, using separate /home directories are good for maintaining the Ubuntu. Also, separating /opt, /var, /usr, /boot, and /tmp may also be a good idea. However, I do not know what are those directories, what are their purposes. For which ones should I create separate partitions in my disk and for which ones should I create these partitions into SSD? Should I also create the second /home directory into a new SSD partition? As I have stated, I have 50 GB on SSD, so I do not have much space for anything to be on SSD. I just want to have some daily-use applications, OS, and some critical programs to be in SSD. According to these, how should I partition my disks?
2-I also learned that LVM is a flexible and good to use feature. But, I do not know which partitions should be LVM, which ones shouldn't. According to the previous question of mine, which partitions should I create as LVM? Some people told that every partition should be LVM, but I do not know about it. I am not planning to add a new disk to my machine, so in that case should every partition be LVM?
As I searched through this platform, I saw similar posts. However, none of them was complete enough to do partitions without hesitation and information. All answers and guides are welcome. Thanks.
41 Answer
You haven't said if you're talking about Ubuntu Server (with a specific function in mind), or Ubuntu Desktop.
For Ubuntu Desktop, I wouldn't go beyond having a / and /home partition(s).
For server installations, generally the same will apply, depending on your end-use case. The directories /opt, /var/, /boot/ & /tmp/ are generally not needed, and I'd suggest avoiding the complexity (especially when learning).
I would have all LVM, or none LVM, and I'd suggest starting without LVM.
You'll likely want to start again (either because of a mistake, or just to see how you can fix experiments easily via re-install, esp. if desktop).
Having a simple & easy setup, allows you to re-install easily & get back to operation if you make a mistake (in ~15 minutes via re-install, it can take longer with more potential for more mistakes with a more complex layout).
Everyone makes mistakes, but knowing you can re-construct your system easily & quickly allows you to feel comfortable & try things, as you know you can pick up the pieces, plus we often learn more through mistakes.
Keep it simple / KISS
a single / is simplest yes, but I'd still suggest separate /home
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