Step 3 - Do You Have Enough Disk Space?
Nearly every modern-day operating system (OS) uses disk partitions, and Red Hat Linux is no exception. When you install Red Hat Linux, you may have to work with disk partitions. If you have not worked with disk partitions before (or need a quick review of the basic concepts) read Appendix E before proceeding.
If Red Hat Linux will share your system with another OS, you will need to make sure you have enough available disk space on your hard drive(s) for this installation. Refer to Appendix G for instructions on creating a dual boot system.
The disk space used by Red Hat Linux must be separate from the disk space used by other OSes you may have installed on your system, such as Windows, OS/2, or even a different version of Linux. At least two partitions (/ and swap) must be dedicated to Red Hat Linux.
Before you start the installation process, one of the following conditions must be met:
Your computer must have enough unpartitioned disk space for the installation of Red Hat Linux.
You must have one or more partitions that may be deleted, thereby freeing up enough disk space to install Red Hat Linux.
Installation Disk Space Requirements
 | Note |
|---|---|
These recommendations are based on an installation that only installs one language (such as English). If you plan to install multiple languages to use on your system, you should increase the disk space requirements. |
- Workstation
A workstation installation, choosing to install GNOME or KDE, requires at least 1.5 GB of free space. Choosing both GNOME and KDE requires at least 1.8 GB of free disk space.
- Server
A server installation requires 1 GB for a minimal installation without X (the graphical environment), at least 1.3 GB of free space if all components (package groups) other than X are installed, and at least 1.8 GB to install all packages including GNOME and KDE.
- Laptop
A laptop installation, when you choose to install GNOME or KDE, requires at least 1.5 GB of free space. If you choose both GNOME and KDE, you will need at least 1.8 GB of free disk space.
- Custom
A custom installation requires 350 MB for a minimal installation and at least 3.5 GB of free space if every package is selected.
If you are not sure that you meet these conditions, or if you want to know how to create free disk space for your Red Hat Linux installation, please refer to Appendix E.