10.3.3 prepare disks for installation

Preparing disks for installation involves partitioning and formatting the disk to make it ready for installing an operating system or storing data.

Here are the general steps to prepare a disk for installation:

1. Backup important data: If the disk already has data, it is important to backup important files to a separate location to prevent data loss during the installation process.

2. Boot from installation media: Insert the installation media (such as a CD or USB) and boot from it. Follow the prompts to initiate the installation process.

3. Partition the disk: During the installation process, you will be prompted to partition the disk. Partitioning creates logical sections of the disk that can be used to store data or install an operating system. You can choose to create one or more partitions, depending on your needs.

4. Format the partition: After partitioning the disk, you need to format the partition(s) to prepare them for use. Formatting creates a file system on the partition(s) that the operating system or other software can use to read and write data. You can choose from different file system formats, such as NTFS, FAT32, and exFAT.

5. Complete the installation: After formatting the partition(s), the installation process can be completed by following the prompts. The operating system or software will be installed on the formatted partition(s), and the disk will be ready for use.

Note: It is important to select the correct disk to partition and format during the installation process to prevent accidental data loss. Always double-check before proceeding with disk operations.