[Lvlug] Prolonging the Life of a Hard Drive?

[jhigdon at linuxfools.org]

On Sat, Aug 27, 2005 at 05:17:56PM -0400, Randy Kramer wrote:
> I'm about to set up a new(-to-me) computer that I got without a hard drive.  I 
> normally use hard drives in the 8-10 GB range, but everything I have at hand 
> is much bigger than that (60 -120 (what can I say, when I can get one for $20 
> - $40 after rebates)).
> 
> I'm thinking about setting up Linux (probably Mandriva2005) with about a 10 GB 
> partition for itself (actually with some partitions for things 
> like /var, /tmp, and similar) and a 10 GB home (the 8-10 GB drives do get 
> cramped).
> 
> I'm thinking a couple of things:
> 
>    * That if, after time, something goes wrong with one of the 10 GB 
> partitions, I can use a new partition on the same disk, thus continuing to 
> use the disk after some kinds of failures.  (Clearly, if the bearings seize 
> or similar, the whole drive is gone.)  Any thoughts on this?  Should I put 
> the partitions at some particular place on the disk to facilitate this kind 
> of usage?  (Like start from the end instead of the beginning or something 
> similar.)
> 
>    * I also think I'll throw in an old 1 to 3 GB drive as swap--let that old 
> drive take the beating.  (I'd prefer not to have swap, but the most RAM I can 
> put in the machine is 512 MB in 2 slots (atm, I have 384 MB).  I'll probably 
> put this drive on the 2nd IDE channel (with the CD-ROM) to minimize conflict 
> with the main hard drive.
> 
> Any other thoughts, suggestions, ...?
> 
> Randy Kramer

Hi Randy,

Just a few comments on the last paragraph. 1-3GB drives are usually old and 
slow, when you have swap you want fast (the reason is hopefully obvious). 
Also I am curious why you would rather no swap, it can improve performance
and save you when the computer is consuming all other available memory
(I am not sure what you do on your workstation, but I consume 512MB 
pretty easily:). By the sound of it too, it seems like the last concern 
wouldn't be an issue.

Other thoughts and suggestions,

Jon