Qns about files in linux

[vitalstrike82]

Hi experts,
i very new to linux and i have a few qns.
i check my hard drive. Linux partion is separate into three. I understand part is for the swap. what about the other 2 parts?

And in windows, install data are store inside program files. In linux, where does it install?

Thanks

[jdh239]

Answers:
1. You probably see 3 partitions if you performed a default install:
a. /boot
b. /
c. swap

Of course, I could be wrong, so I would need to see your /etc/fstab to be sure--or, you can post your output from this command: fdisk -l

As far as where things are stored under linux, you need to review this:
The Linux filesystem explained

The above URL will also explain what the /boot and / (root) partitions are for.

BTW: Outside of swap, you need only 1 partition at a minimum (/). You can have more to your hearts content though.

[gogalthorp]

Actually

/home
/
/swap

Home is where your personal information and files are stored all else is on root (/)

boot is in root (/) but this is the default and except for a separate swap you can configure and mount things totally the way you want. For example I have 4 partitions mounted as /swap, /,/home and /vm I use vm to store my vertual machines. The advantage is that you can reinstall or install a whole new OS in root (/) and not touch /home or /vm thus preserving your data and settings. You just reformat and overwrite root