this post was submitted on 13 Nov 2023
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Linux
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Linux is a family of open source Unix-like operating systems based on the Linux kernel, an operating system kernel first released on September 17, 1991 by Linus Torvalds. Linux is typically packaged in a Linux distribution (or distro for short).
Distributions include the Linux kernel and supporting system software and libraries, many of which are provided by the GNU Project. Many Linux distributions use the word "Linux" in their name, but the Free Software Foundation uses the name GNU/Linux to emphasize the importance of GNU software, causing some controversy.
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When I started with Linux, I was happy to learn that I didn't need a bunch of separate partitions, and have installed all-in-one (except for boot of course!) since. Whatever works fine for you (-and- is easiest) is the right way! (What you're doing was once common practice, and serves just as well. No disadvantage in staying with the familiar.)
After I got up to 8GB memory, stopped using swap ... easier on the hard drive -and- the SSD. (I move most data to the HD ... including TimeShift ... except what I use regularly.)
I use Mint as well; for me this keeps things as simple as possible. When I install a new OS version (always with the same XFCE DE) I do put THAT on a new partition (rather than try the upgrade route and risk damaging my daily driver) using the same UserName. A new Home is created within the install partition (does nothing but hold the User folder.)
To keep from having to reconfig -almost everthing- in the new OS all over again I evolved a system. First I verify that the new install boots properly, I then use a Live USB to copy the old User .config file (and the apps and their support folders I keep in user) to the new User folder. Saves hours of reconfiguring most things. The new up-to-date OS mostly resembles and works like the old one ... without the upgrade risks.
In my next reinstall, can I combine the
/andswappartitions (they’re next to each other so I can do this) and will swap files just be automatically created instead?They won't be automatically created but you can create your own swap file on /, no need for a dedicated partition:
ddto create a file filled with zeros of appropriate size.mkswap.swapon./etc/fstabso it will be automatically used on reboot.Appropriate size will vary but I suggest starting with something like 100 MB and check once in a while to see how much is actually used. If it fills up you can replace it with a larger swap file or you can simply create another one and use it alongside the first.
Btrfs has some extra demands for its swap file, so the tool has its own "btrfs filesystem makeswapfile" command.
Thanks!
You can use a swap file in your main partition, but most installers won't set this up for you. You'll want to follow this guide after installation: https://www.cyberciti.biz/faq/linux-add-a-swap-file-howto/