Appendix E. An Introduction to Disk Partitions

113

E.1.4.3.2. Resize the existing partition

Figure E 12, shows the actual resizing process. While the actual result of the resizing operation varies

depending on the software used, in most cases the newly freed space is used to create an unformatted

partition of the same type as the original partition.

Figure E 12. Disk Drive with Partition Resized

It is important to understand what the resizing software you use does with the newly freed space, so

that you can take the appropriate steps. In the case we have illustrated, it would be best to simply

delete the new DOS partition and create the appropriate Linux partition(s).

E.1.4.3.3. Create new partition(s)

As the previous step implied, it may or may not be necessary to create new partitions. However, unless

your resizing software is Linux aware, it is likely you will need to delete the partition that was created

during the resizing process. Figure E 13, shows this being done.

Figure E 13. Disk Drive with Final Partition Configuration

Note

The following information is specific to x86 based computers only.

As a convenience to Red Hat Linux users, the DOS

fips

utility is included on the Red Hat Linux/x86

CD 1 in the

dosutils

directory. This is a freely available program that can resize FAT (File Alloca 

tion Table) partitions.

Warning

Many people have successfully used fips to resize their hard drive partitions. However, because

of the nature of the operations carried out by fips and the wide variety of hardware and software