Hard disk drive is the data storage device in a computer, which enables a user to store digital data into it and fetch the same from it, at the time of requirement. The operating systems of almost all computers allow the users to segregate the entire physical drive into small logical drives.
Why do I need to split the hard drive?
First of all, it is important that you keep all your files in a structured form, so that it becomes easy for you to work with the organized files. If you dump all your files, without dividing the hard drive, then a point may come when you have to fumble for the file that you’re urgently looking for.
It is a very efficient method of storing your Operating System and all other applications in one partition of hard drive and other personal data in another partition. We mentioned this practice as “efficient” because only the OS partition can be formatted at the time of an issue with the Microsoft Windows, which will keep your data intact in the other partition.
It may happen that the size of the hard disk is bigger than the size that the operating system can support. In such a case, it becomes important to divide the hard drive into multiple smaller partitions.
How to create a hard disk partition?
It is very common to use a command called ‘fdisk’ for splitting the hard disk into smaller drives. However, there are graphical tools available, to perform this task.
Where is the data stored?
If you’re in a notion that your data is being stored in the hard drive partition, then correct yourself, as the idea of data storage in the hard drive partition is a wrong one. File system is the one that actually, sits on the partitions and your data gets stored in the file systems of the hard drive.
Is there any advantage of extended partition over primary partition?
Almost all of you might know that there are four primary partitions and one among those can be used as an extended partition. To use one of the partitions as extended partition, you need to mark that partition as ‘Extended partition’. Once it is recorded in the Master Boot Record as Extended partition, you can get started with it. That particular partition can be further divided into multiple drives and every drive is known as a ‘logical drive’. However, there is no benefit of using extended partition instead of primary partition.
These days, we can see that there is an exponential increase of the disk space, by the manufacturers. This increase is the result of the high demands of the computer based products. With many advanced applications in the hard disk, it becomes important to use your hard disk efficiently by splitting it in varied comfortable sizes.