2. Conventions for Naming Disks and Partitions

GNU/Linux uses a logical method to name partitions. First, when numbering the partitions, it ignores the file-system type of any partition you may have. Second, it names the partitions according to the disk on which they are located. This is how the disks are named:

[Note]Note

If you have SATA IDE disks, the SCSI naming scheme applies.

The partitions are named after the disk on which they're found, in the following way (in our example, we've used partitions on a primary master IDE disk but the same applies to all other types of disks):

So GNU/Linux will name the partitions as follows:

Figure 2.1. First Example of Partition Naming under GNU/Linux

First Example of Partition Naming under GNU/Linux

Figure 2.2. Second Example of Partition Naming under GNU/Linux

Second Example of Partition Naming under GNU/Linux

With this knowledge in hand, you should be able to name your various partitions and hard disks when you need to manipulate them. You'll also see that GNU/Linux names the partitions even if it doesn't know how to manage them initially (it ignores the fact that they're not native GNU/Linux partitions).

[Note]Note

Mandrakelinux now uses udev (refer to the udev FAQ for more information). It ensures full compatibility with the scheme described above and with standards like the Linux Standards Base Project. Each device is dynamically added to the system as soon as it becomes available or needed.