AV-Linux Partitioning

[pffftdwarf]

Hi,
i am a avid AV-Linux User since 2021, simple Homerecording stuff, mostly synths and with the upcoming new Release some Questions have built up for me.
I use Linux since roughly 2000 and usually went with a /boot, /(root), or combined and separate /home Partitioning that fits my needs nicely.

Till now I have AV-Linux and my "normal" Linux on the same disk (but separate Partitions), and I plan to install the new AV-Linux Release onto a newly bought SSD to have some more space (240Gb vs 1Tb).
I read through the official AV Manual and stumbled upon the Partitioning suggestions section, which left me a bit puzzled.
I know that there is no real "wrong or right", but what is the benefit from making another partition for Data when I have already a separate /home Folder?

From my "adventures" with my daily driver Linux, which changed through time (Debian => Fedora => Sabayon => Manjaro/EndeavourOS => Debian-Testing) the only real downfall I had was when "downgrading" from Arch-based to Debian-Testing, as some Software or better: their settings in /home were not really downward compatible.
The separate /home was quite an anchor through-all that and never really failed me. I have a simple backup-script which copies the Ardour-projects onto an USB-HDD. (No Backup - No Mercy)

But I am curious how other AV-Linux Users partition their system and why! Like I said, i know that there is no "wrong or right", but if I and my work can benefit from your suggestions I am more than happy!
So, whats your favorite Partitioning Scheme or your suggestions for it? Let me know!

Greetings and Thanks!

[artytux]

Hi,
usually went with a /boot, /(root), or combined and separate /home Partitioning that fits my needs nicely.
So, whats your favorite Partitioning Scheme or your suggestions for it? Let me know!
Greetings and Thanks!

I've gone back to separate / and /home just that was how most distros set that up, a decade ago, and I found it's easier on me and isn't that what computing is all about,
Makein it easier for the yourself (the computer user).

[MXRobo]

I really like a separate DATA partition unless, you use a separate DATA drive as it makes reinstalling very easy, preferably as ansqwerth stated, "I don't want any installer touching my DATA partition", so it's safer to "connect, mount" later, but it can be done during the installation too, just make sure to select "PRESERVE".

I think you've had good luck with your data in your /home partition, and you likely know more than I do, that's another reason I like the separate DATA partition, easy, if the /home partition doesn't work with the newer release, that doesn't effect the DATA partition. One partition to backup too, maybe irrelevant.

I do use a separate /, /home, swap, temp?, and /mnt/DATA partition, note differences between /mnt/ and /media, I prefer /mnt if I symlink my home folders as it's hidden, whereas /media will be shown in the F.M.


Here are a few links:
viewtopic.php?p=737475#p737475
viewtopic.php?t=71958
viewtopic.php?p=567448&hilit=data+partition#p567448
viewtopic.php?p=709022#p709022 I like this method.
viewtopic.php?p=747583#p747583

Good Luck!

[pffftdwarf]

@artytux
That is so true. I am a Fan of the KISS principle. So usually separate "/" and a "/home" Partition is enough. I do have a data disk, which hosts my Pictures/MP3's/videos, but that is more due to the Fact that the sheer amount/size would eat up too much space on my SSD (i don't think it would even fit on it), so its a normal HDD.

@MXRobo
Thanks for the Links! I separated my normal Linux and AV-Linux fully, both are full installations, in the moment on one SSD, but as I mentioned I will make a new install of AV Linux on a separate SSD as soon as the new version is available. No shared /home or something like that. I mainly use the data disk mentioned above to move files from one Distro to the other when needed. But for AV Linux I do not have a separate Data Partition (though a separate data partition which resides on a separate Drive would be nice). On my normal Linux I do a backup every now and then, a script with rsync, on AV Linux I usually do a backup after every recording.

Maybe a separate /opt partition might be a nice thing for the new AV Linux install, as it puts a lot of stuff there.

[artytux]

Long time back I set up this way (used the tree and branches idea) and seems to work very well.

SSD = MXLinux Distro - and space for fresh downloads now with separate / and /home,
1 ExtHD = Paperport - eg. dockets, receipts, wallpapers etc.
2 ExtHD = Musiclog - mp3, album art, playlist etc.
3 ExtHD = BackInTime and Timeshift both on schedules few times per day
4 ExtHD = Only connected (when Offline only) to computer Saturdays for 2nd level BackInTime (weekly) and of course MX Snapshot and MX Live USB Maker.

Took a bit of effort thou once set up it's secure should something happen easy to restore any part . . . just don't look at the electrical spaghetti that connects it all.

[pffftdwarf]

Heh, thats sounds fun to setup!

I think I tend to make an own /ardour partition and symlink/fstab that into /home/myuser. Though backups are made it should prevent some greater disaster and hassle when checking the wrong checkbox during an upgrade/install.