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DPChallenge Forums >> Hardware and Software >> How to partition backup drive?
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01/12/2014 10:22:25 AM · #1
Yeah I know, all the computer guys and gals are snickering, but I would like to know how to do this.

Now that I've finally upgraded to Mavericks (and the iPhoto version I upgraded to, 9.5.1 I think) is a gigantic PITA btw and have all my old stuff backed up to the 2TB LaCie....how do I partition the LaCie when I make backups of the new system (which badly needs clearing out of old pics) that the new stuff doesn't override the old and wipe out all my old photos?
01/12/2014 11:45:31 AM · #2
The simple answer would be that if you do not know how to partition, then don't. Just use the full 2TB Lacie drive and organize stuff into folders. There is no additional benefit from partitioning to different drives.
01/12/2014 11:59:11 AM · #3
I agree — if you didn't partition the empty drive when you first got it, don't bother doing it now. If it helps you organize, name a couple of folders "Partition 1" and "Partition 2" (or whatever you were thinking of doing to the drive) and use those the way you would the drive partitions, with no other files "loose" at the root level ...
01/12/2014 03:31:02 PM · #4
Uhm Ok I think I get it...thanks
01/13/2014 01:20:46 PM · #5
The main problem with partitioning is that its difficult to undo. You could run into the problem of partitioning too small of a drive and then have to split. It may make sense to partition an operating drive, but not a backup.

One thing you can do is map a folder to a drive. This way, your path is easier. I've done this with the subst command. There are other utilities I'm sure.

I know there are utilities to repartition but I would never trust them. Maybe they are better now than they were years ago.
01/13/2014 01:59:15 PM · #6
IMO, the only reason to partition is if you plan to install an OS on the partition. This way if you need to reinstall the OS later you don't need to format the whole drive, only the partition.
01/13/2014 02:27:21 PM · #7
Originally posted by Mike:

IMO, the only reason to partition is if you plan to install an OS on the partition. This way if you need to reinstall the OS later you don't need to format the whole drive, only the partition.

This is a good point, although ideally you want the OS installed on a separate physical drive to make access better — if the same drive is having to go back and forth between OS and data on the same drive it slows things down markedly.

One other reason for partitioning a data drive is if you want one partition to contain encrypted data and the other not ...

On older Macs (System 9) I've used a utility which creates a mountable "disk image" file, which can then be put on the desktop and functions just like a separate hard disk, but I don't know if such is available on newer Macs ...

Message edited by author 2014-01-13 14:30:41.
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