Disk Partitioning and LVM Setup on Ubuntu 22.04 Explained Simply

Introduction

Disk partitioning setup is a crucial task for managing storage efficiently on Ubuntu 22.04. It involves dividing a hard drive into smaller, manageable sections. These partitions can be used for different purposes, such as system files, user data, or swap space. Understanding disk partitioning setup is essential for optimizing performance and improving data organization. In this guide, we will explore how to set up disk partitioning and Logical Volume Manager (LVM) on Ubuntu 22.04, providing you with a robust and flexible storage management solution.

Prerequisites

What you need:

• Ubuntu 22.04 installed
• Basic understanding of the command line
• Access to a terminal with root privileges.

Step 1: Understanding Disk Partitioning

Disk partitioning setup is the process of dividing a disk into separate sections. Each partition can function independently and be formatted with a specific file system. This setup allows for better data separation, security, and efficiency. For example, you can have one partition for system files and another for personal data, reducing the risk of data loss.

Step 2: Installing Necessary Tools

Before starting with disk partitioning setup, you need to install the required tools. Begin by updating your system package list. “`bash
sudo apt update

This command updates the list of available packages and their versions, ensuring you have access to the latest tools. Next, install the tools needed for disk partitioning and LVM management. ```bash
sudo apt install lvm2 gparted

This installs lvm2 for managing logical volumes and gparted for a graphical interface to handle partitions.

Step 3: Identifying Your Disk

To begin the disk partitioning setup, identify the disk you plan to partition. Use the lsblk command to list all available storage devices. “`bash
lsblk

This command displays detailed information about your disk drives, including their names, sizes, and partition information. Note the device name you intend to partition, such as `/dev/sda`.

With the disk identified, proceed to create partitions using the `fdisk` tool. Start by launching `fdisk` with your target disk. ```bash
sudo fdisk /dev/sda

This command opens the fdisk prompt for the specified disk, allowing you to create and manage partitions. Follow these commands within fdisk:

1. Type n to create a new partition. 2. Choose the partition type (primary or extended). 3. Specify the partition size and type. 4. Repeat these steps for additional partitions. Once done, write the changes to the disk by typing w.

Step 5: Formatting Partitions

After creating partitions during the disk partitioning setup, format them with a file system. For example, to format a partition with the Ext4 file system, use the following command:

sudo mkfs.ext4 /dev/sda1

This command formats the specified partition with the Ext4 file system, preparing it for use. Repeat the formatting process for each partition you created.

Step 6: Mounting Partitions

Mounting is the process of making a partition accessible within the file system. Create a directory to serve as the mount point. “`bash
sudo mkdir /mnt/mydata

This command creates a directory named `mydata` under `/mnt` to use as the mount point. Now, mount the partition to this directory. ```bash
sudo mount /dev/sda1 /mnt/mydata

This command mounts the specified partition to the mydata directory, making it accessible.

Step 7: Setting Up LVM

Logical Volume Manager (LVM) allows for flexible disk management beyond traditional partitions. Start by creating a physical volume on a partition. “`bash
sudo pvcreate /dev/sda2

This command initializes the partition for LVM use, marking it as a physical volume. Next, create a volume group using this physical volume. ```bash
sudo vgcreate myvg /dev/sda2

This command creates a volume group named myvg, pooling physical storage from the specified partition.

Step 8: Creating Logical Volumes

With the volume group set up, create logical volumes within it. These act as virtual partitions, offering flexibility and scalability. “`bash
sudo lvcreate -n mylv -L 10G myvg

This command creates a logical volume named `mylv` with a size of 10GB within the `myvg` volume group.

Format the logical volumes with a file system, much like you did with traditional partitions. ```bash
sudo mkfs.ext4 /dev/myvg/mylv

This command formats the logical volume with the Ext4 file system, preparing it for data storage.

Step 10: Mounting Logical Volumes

Mount the logical volume to a directory to make it accessible. “`bash
sudo mkdir /mnt/mylvdata
sudo mount /dev/myvg/mylv /mnt/mylvdata

These commands create a mount point and mount the logical volume, making it ready for use.

## Step 11: Configuring fstab

To ensure your partitions and logical volumes mount automatically at boot, edit the `/etc/fstab` file. ```bash
sudo nano /etc/fstab

Add entries for each partition and logical volume, specifying their mount points. For example:

/dev/sda1 /mnt/mydata ext4 defaults 0 2
/dev/myvg/mylv /mnt/mylvdata ext4 defaults 0 2

These entries tell the system where and how to mount each volume during startup.

Step 12: Verifying Setup

After completing your disk partitioning setup, verify the configuration. Reboot your system to ensure all mounts are working as expected. “`bash
sudo reboot

Upon restarting, check if the partitions and logical volumes are mounted properly using the `df -h` command. ```bash
df -h

This command displays the mounted file systems and their usage, confirming successful setup.

Conclusion

Setting up disk partitioning on Ubuntu 22.04 provides a structured approach to managing disk storage. By incorporating LVM, you gain additional flexibility and scalability. This guide has walked you through the process, ensuring you can efficiently manage storage using disk partitioning setup principles.