Newbie question about HD partitions.

[powerMarkymark]

I was wondering, when one has three partitions on the hard drive, are they physically seperate?

If I keep writing to a specific partition, does the hard drive write to that physical location or what?

Thanx.

 

[jcmkk]

Yes, it is physical partitions. You can prove this by copying from one partition to another. It physically copies the data to the part of the disk that the other partition is contained in. If it was just virtually referencing the data as different partitions, then it would only take the time of editing the reference point.

 

[powerMarkymark]

<< Yes, it is physical partitions. You can prove this by copying from one partition to another. It physically copies the data to the part of the disk that the other partition is contained in. If it was just virtually referencing the data as different partitions, then it would only take the time of editing the reference point. >>



Then should I be worrying about "using" a partition too much and creating problems with that particular portion of the hard drive?

 

[jcmkk]

No, don't worry about it. Hard drives are made to last a long time with extended use *cough*except IBM's*cough*, so I wouldn't give it another thought.

 

[powerMarkymark]

Hey, thanks alot jcmkk, nice of you to have taken the time.

Take care.

 

[Chain777]

Powermark,


I don't disagree with what jcmkkk said, except on the hard drive issue. IBM HD's have had problems (75 series in particular), but if it's another model, it could be very reliable. I have a 4 year old IBM Deskstar in a secondary computer that has never given me a problem over the time I've had it.

On the other hand, I put together a new system, and used Maxtor HD's, just because of the IBM problem, and haven't had any problems.

As far as the usage question: If you partition your HD, it doesn't matter because a single HD is going to "work" anytime a partition is called on. It's one component being used no matter how many partitions are created.


As far as usage, it really depends on the HD. Not all HD's are created equal. Some hold up to continuous usage fine, while others, mainly drives designed for server app's, are built to withstand 24/7 usage. It really all depends on the HD and the recommended usage.