Explaining the Types and Definitions of Ubuntu Linux Partitions and Directories

See the various terms used in Ubuntu Linux for its structure can be described logically. Even though these terms can overlap and sometimes mean two different things simultaneously. This article is not meant to make you an expert in Linux. Only to clarify some terms and definitions. It helps you better understand, install, and use this operating system.

Table of Contents:

1. Filesystem
2. Partitions
3. Directories

There are two options to install Ubuntu Linux on your Dell computer:

• Clean Install - For more information see the Dell Knowledge Base article: How to Install Ubuntu Linux on your Dell Computer
• Dual Boot Install - For more information see the Dell Knowledge Base article: How to Install Ubuntu and Windows 8 Through Windows 11 as a Dual Boot on your Dell Computer

They are largely automated and do not require this amount of knowledge to complete successfully or to use.

Filesystem

Linux users know that: A Filesystem is a programmatic scheme that is used to organize and find files on a partition. 

Whereas: The File System references all the files on your computer.

What this means is that the Filesystem is the structure that is used to see, find and use your files using Ubuntu. However, the File System is both all the separate files in that structure and the file format. 

There are several types of files in Ubuntu Linux:

Regular files:

They contain data, for example, text files, executable files or programs, input in or output out from a program and such.

Directories:

These are the files and folders that are lists of other files

Special files:

This is the mechanism that is used for input and output. Most special files are in /dev

Links:

This makes a file or directory visible in several parts of the computer's file tree

Domain sockets:

This is a special file type, and it is similar to Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) sockets in windows. It provides inter-process networking that the file system's access control protects

Named pipes:

These act more or less like sockets and are a way for processes to communicate with each other, without using network socket protocols

File Structure

For Ubuntu Linux, your / Partition must be a primary partition. While every other partition - Be it Primary or Logical, mounts to that partition. Each partition has a file format that you set and a purpose within the operating system. The directories and files are searchable and used within this structure. This is explained in more detail below.

Partitions

The First thing is to discard everything that you already know about Windows partitions. Trying to match the two only confuses you. You are better to take them as two separate processes.

Windows Partition Description

Windows partitions come in two types: Primary and Logical 

On older SATA IDE Hard Drives, you are limited to either four Primary partitions or a combination of some Primary and Logical partitions. Each receives a Drive letter, but you are only able to install the operating system on a Primary partition.

Ubuntu Linux Partition Description

Ubuntu Linux partitions also come in Primary and Logical. You are limited to either four primary partitions or a combination of Primary and Logical partitions. However, that is where the similarities stop.

Your first partition is always your install partition on a primary partition. This partition can be called the root of the partition, or it is shown as a /. Depending on how you want to use and configure your Ubuntu install, you can make several partitions. Root is the most important partition. While you can create these partitions and give them a size, a file format, and a purpose, they must be mounted to the / of this partition to function correctly.

Ubuntu Linux Partition Categories

Ubuntu Linux further separates these partitions into two categories:

Data partitions

These are partitions like the boot partition in that they hold directories and files or normal Linux system data. These are the files which start and run the computer.

Swap partitions

These are partitions that expand the computer's physical memory by using the partition as a cache.

Partition types that are used in Ubuntu Linux Installs

There are several common partitions that are used for Ubuntu, I have listed them and some info for each below. Experienced Linux users use a combination of some of these partitions as a scheme. This is when they know they are using the custom Ubuntu install for a specific set of uses. These particular partitions make it easier and more efficient. I list what combination of partitions are required for the most common generic install. However, if you are going to use this scheme you would be better to use the auto-install guides above.

Most Common Partition Scheme

There are many other schemes and many reasons for not splitting off a directory as a partition. As there are many reasons for creating a specific partition to streamline a particular process. If you want to proceed with a custom install, then how you achieve this is going to be up to you. It all depends on the use that you plan to put the computer.

If you need aid from Dell Technical Support in setting these up, then I would have to advise contacting the Operating Systems manufacturer instead. This type of help is not going to be covered under our existing warranties. Only the Operating Systems developer can answer your questions on this subject. They are the acknowledged experts on their operating system.

Directories

In simple terms, Directories in Ubuntu Linux are folders that contain files. There is a certain amount of overlap with the terms that are used for the partitions in the section above. The reason for this is that Linux split up the directories onto separate partitions. So that they could dedicate space to each of them and mostly to protect against data loss. This is so that if one partition was unresponsive or if it was lost it would not affect all the others. This is mostly a thing of the past thanks to Journaled file types such as Ext3 and Ext4. Once the separate partition is mounted to /, it then shows as a directory thereof.

The easiest way to think of the directories on an Ubuntu Linux computer is to think of them as branches on a tree. The Trunk of the tree is the root directory on your first partition. The other directories mount to this Trunk as branches. Each branch has its purpose but may interact with others through the Trunk and have subdirectories branching off from those main branches.

You can find a guide on using these directories after you have finished the install on the link below.

• Configure Ubuntu on your Dell computer