Browsing Romanian translation

151.

Prepare disk space

152.

This next step is often referred to as \gls{partitioning}. Partitioning is the process of allocating portions of your hard drive for a specific purpose. When you create a \gls{partition}, you are essentially dividing up your hard drive into sections that will be used for different types of information. Partitioning can sometimes seem complex to a new user; however, it does not have to be. In fact, Ubuntu provides you with some options that greatly simplify this process.

153.

\screenshot{01-partition.png}{ss:partition}{Choose where you would like to install Ubuntu.}

154.

Erase and use the entire disk

155.

\marginnote{Many people installing Ubuntu for the first time currently use another operating system on their computer, such as Windows \acronym{XP}, Windows Vista, Windows 7, or Mac \acronym{OS X}. Ubuntu provides you with the option of either \emph{replacing} your existing operating system altogether, or installing Ubuntu alongside your existing system. The latter is called \emph{dual-booting}. Whenever you turn on or restart your computer, you will be given the option to select which operating system you want to use for that session.} Use this option if you want to erase your entire disk. This will delete any existing operating systems that are installed on that disk, such as Windows \acronym{XP}, and install Ubuntu in its place. This option is also useful if you have an empty hard drive, as Ubuntu will automatically create the necessary partitions for you.

156.

Guided partitioning

157.

If you already have another operating system installed on your hard drive, and want to install Ubuntu alongside it, choose the \radiobutton{Install them side by side, choosing between them each startup} option.

158.

Ubuntu will automatically detect the other operating system and install Ubuntu alongside it. For more complicated \gls{dual-booting} setups, you will need to configure the partitions manually.

159.

Specifying partitions manually

160.

\marginnote{Ubuntu installs a \textbf{home folder} where your personal files and configuration data are located by default. If you choose to have your home folder on a separate partition, then in the event that you decide to reinstall Ubuntu or perform a fresh upgrade to the latest release, your personal files and configuration data won't be lost.} This option is for more advanced users and is used to create special partitions, or format the hard drive with a filesystem different to the default one. It can also be used to create a separate \texttt{/home} partition. This can be very useful in case you decide to reinstall Ubuntu, as it allows you to format and reinstall the operating system, whilst keeping all your personal files and program settings intact in a separate partition.