Importance of Disk Partitioning
Disk partitioning is the process of separating one hard drive into several independent volumes. This can be done using the Disk Management tool included into Windows Vista and Windows 7 which enables you to partition a disk without involving third party software.
1) It saves you a lot of computer related headaches
Most PCs come with a single partition hard drive and it shows up as a C Drive on your computer. Keeping all your data from files to applications and your operating system into one drive is risky because should anything happen to your partition index file, your computer will not be able to reboot from that drive. Rebooting from external drives is possible but the downside would be you would not be able to access other data stored in that single partition
2) It Enables you to treat your drives as separate entities
Disk partitioning enables you to keep your system and the apps in different drives so that it will be easier to back up your data and you will be less likely to lose any data stored in an accident such as when reformatting or reinstalling Windows. You can save different types of data in different drives such as for media files , document files, drivers as well as programs.
3) It enables you to set up an emergency partition
With disk partitioning, you do not need and emergency boot disc if your Windows suddenly crashes. If you have created a bootable partition that is large enough to contain a stripped-down OS and a handful of diagnostic tools, you can easily use it to rescue your data and salvage your computer. Some computer manufacturers have created a supply built-in emergency partition in latest versions of their PC such as Lenovo and Acer. If your computer does not have an emergency partition, you can easily create one.
4) It enables you to try out different operating systems
Disk partitioning allows you to try different operating systems other than your own such as Linux. The general rule is that no two operating systems can co-exist in the same volume without overriding so you won’t be able to dual-boot between Linux or Windows 7 if you’re on a single-volume system.
You can partition your hard drive on your own. Some operating systems such as Windows XP will likely need a more powerful partitioning software than the installed Microsoft’s Disk Management tool. Other software to try is the EaseUs Partition Master.
Before partitioning, make sure that all your data is backed up. During the partitioning process, no data will be deleted by backing up ensure that you have all your important data should anything go wrong with the partitioning process.
With the disk management tool, all you need to do is follow the instructions given to partition your disk. The Disk Management tool shows you the existing drives on your system and other partitions; if there are any as well as how much space you have left.
The Disk management tool allows you to choose the amount of space you want to shrink. This depends on how you want to use that partition.