Question : Problem: partitioning hard disks

what are the advantages to partitioning a hard drive with multiple partitions?
is it better to set up a partition for the os..........and how large does it have to be for xp?
can you partition in raid0?
and if i have a partition set up to store data.........what happens if i fill it up too fast and need more space
any other tips on partitioning will be greatly appreciated.
thanks
p.

Answer : Problem: partitioning hard disks

If you're installing Windows XP *only* - then the partition size must be about 3-4gb.  This will leave almost ZERO space for anything and everything else.

There are many advantages for partitioning a hard drive.  The most common reasons are to organize your different type of data (among applications, operating system, user files, etc), security, and possibly space/usage efficiency.

Like leew said, I believe you can partition over a RAID0 but by doing so, you're almost defeating the purpose - getting more space, faster.

If you fill it up too fast and need more space, you might want to analyze your usage and try implementing a strategy.  In the case that you fill a partition too quickly, there are many options - get another drive or partition/etc.  It may be possible to expand the size of your existing partition using software such as Partition Magic, but I'd try and avoid resizing in-use partitions.

In terms of advice for creating partitions - create a strategy!:
 - Consider how you will expand/grow
 - Consider splitting up your data - O/S + core apps on one partition, general apps on another, user files on another, etc.
 - How will you manage and grow your data
 - What backup method(s) will you use?
...etc...

Goodluck!