Data Partition?

There isn't a need to defrag on OS X as it's handled automatically each time a file is written.

The main reason why there is two partitions on a PC sometimes is that, to prevent defragmentation and keeping Windows optimized.

OS X defrags on the fly, no need ot set up a seperate data partition, just backup and clone your whole OS X and data partition because unlike Windows, there is NO System Restore.

I have a extensive reference here all about how to take care, restore and backup a Mac.

Save these instructions, it's quite lengthy, pictures too. 🙂

https://discussions.apple.com/thread/3358920

Ed_H wrote:

I am new to Macs and have a question about setting up a separate data partition. On PC's I always had a partition for the OS/programs and a separate partition for data. With this approach I could do an image backup of the data partition daily and the OS partition much less frequently.

Hello,

that's possible but you have to do a lot of things on your own, as the installer not support that on setup.

You may also eventually run in problems with system settings and updates for applications as both expect defined path's to write down settings and configuration files if you want your entire home directory on a separate partition.

Having only user-data on a dedicated partition causes no problems.

You may eventually use the Disk Utility from the install medium to change the partition.

Lion (10.7) is an exception as there is no install disk by default. But it's possible to build a bootable stick or DVD.

Lupunus

Hello:

To add to the advice above, there are very few good reasons (IMHO) to partition an internal HD on a Mac. At a minimum, you waste space. Partitioning also partially negates OS X's very good memory management.

As already indicated (quite well), a Mac requires no "routine" maintenance.

Barry

Barry Hemphill wrote:

Hello:

To add to the advice above, there are very few good reasons (IMHO) to partition an internal HD on a Mac. At a minimum, you waste space.

As long as there is no Apple solution for divided backups, partitioning have its advantages.

It seperates the system and the applications from the user data.

Keeping the user data (Documents, Movies, Music, Downloads and so on) on a 2nd partition eases a clear backup strategie.

Talking about a clear backup strategie and data security in this context does not refer on Time Machine.😁

Lupunus

Hello Ed:

As you are new to Apple, do not take my comment as some sort of put down.

If you use a capability of OS X (Time Machine) you have a copy of your system every hour. Although a complete restore is HIGHLY unlikely, the capability is there. I realize it is difficult not to superimpose Windows approaches, but OS X is, IMHO, light years beyond Microsoft's operating system.

Barry

P.S. I use both TM and bootable clones - I am paranoid about backups.

P.S squared... I lived in Bloomingdale about 10 years ago - nice place.

Message was edited by: Barry Hemphill

If one's backup strategy has any trace of sophistication, it doesn't back up any files that haven't changed siince your last backup — it only backs up files that have changed. This is certainly true of Time Machine, and it's also true of incremental backups made with Carbon Copy Cloner or SuperDuper. That being the case, the backup-related benefits of partitioning one's primary drive would appear to be approximately zero, while the drawbacks (not having one's OS partition backup completely up-to-date at all times, and having to remember to back it up separately from one's data partition) would seem fairly significant.