@Ludwid Reyes

What's not to like?

It's like a D-I-Y candy factory with friendly workers.

-command line control;
-Nothing hiding, secret or off-limits;
-New recipes encouraged, old recipes available;
-The only rules are environmental and if you don't like 'em you are encouraged to defy 'em...if you can;
-design scripts, model behavior, write the code;
-Compile your own OS and build your apps to fit your needs;
-Choose your gui and design it the way you want it...or not;
-on and on

But thanks for your consideration.

b.line

@anonymous

I had planned to separate the /, boot and /var files as it is generally considered good form. But, I was unaware GRUB was data-map blind...so I'll have a better look at the GRUB facility.

After reading most of the LVM how-to, I would think the entire community would be moving in this direction. The snapshot concept is not new (AS-400 OS-X - 20 years ago) and a well proven database query tool. In that regard, I don't suppose I would have considered including the boot files but you never know. It's interesting to get a look at the underlying concepts these many years later. Solid evidence of the OS community's commitment to principles, in my estimation...bravo.

Thanks for your keen and predictive observations and willingness to assist.

Kinda gives a fella the warm and fuzzy.

b.line

OK Jason,

Your suggestion about the log files crashing the OS (particularly on limited size) aligns with my reading. I'll likely follow your counsel.

I have not read the LVM piece yet but it sounds "logical" to me as well. Probably follow that one too.

I'll look a little closer at the ext4 fs format...I have read only one article to base my opinion on.

And another little jewel you provided was the existence of a gparted live CD. That really helps.

Many thanks,

b.line

Hey Semphis,

What may seem obvious to you is potentially a good idea to me. Actually I have not booted up the ISO but as i appreciate it the Arch ISO is primarily command line until I adopt a desktop.

I'm pretty old school and am really looking forward to getting back to a good ol' command line.

Just the same...thanks for the suggestion.

b.line

Thanks Atreyu,

That's a great Idea...I'm thinking this will enable a smoother migration away from the Gates Plan. I'd like to move everything possible as quickly as practicable.

Why didn't I think of that?

b.line

Thanks Casey,

I'll defrag before I start...that will either hurt or help.

Although I'm considering leaving well enough alone and either going with the LVM or trimming down the sizes to fit, as suggested.

I doubt I'll distro hop but the possibility does exist. I'm actually attracted to the rolling release plan of Arch. If the logical volumes leave me feeling sketchy, I'll just downsize.

Thanks for the input.

b.line

Hey Jack,

I've never heard Ubuntu called Wubi...nice feel to it.

This single question has been the driver of a lot of reading. I've looked at several other distros as well: Debian Lenny, LFS, Arch.

I decided to learn Arch...I like their concept and it fits my needs.

I'll keep my progress posted.

Thanks for your post.

b.line

Thanks Arben,

I recently replaced and reloaded XP on a new HDD. When I partitioned it with XP, I didn't format the remaining volume before or after the NTFS partition.

I was under the impression the linux volume had to be formatted to the file system of your choice prior to loading. This would be a much easier (and less risky) procedure.

I have VM ware on a MAC to run windows and have not been too favorably impressed with the performance penalty so i thought I'd do this one as a dual boot. The other reason for dual boot is that I have a substantial investment in several software programs that run on XP...mostly geometry and cnc postprocessors and emulators. XP is always going to be with me.

I ran the Knoppix disk when my hdd crashed. It was pretty impressive and got me started reading. I'm ready to get off the Gates Plan.

I appreciate your input.

b.line

Thanks Pritish,

I'm sure your instructions would be enough for most but I want to make sure I understand.

20mb -----> for a boot volume (ext3 I presume)

with the remainder on an LVM partition (that I can change, on the fly, as necessary for root and home.

I thought the "/" (root) directory had to contain the boot records.
I also thought I needed to designate swap volume.

I will read the link you provided this afternoon.

Thanks for your suggestions and link.

b.line

Thanks Eric,

You responded so quickly, I'm slow with my reply.

I'm going to begin the download today. I'll let you guys know how it's going.

I'm sure you'll be able to hear the muffled screams.

I don't work on cars for the same reasons...a poverty of patience and I hate to get my hands greasy.

Thanks,
b.line