How do I format a computer?

[Lisandro]

Programs can always be re-installed. Your data, once lost, can't unless it's been backed up.
Just my 2 cents. 

Yeah. I not only recommend 2 partitions... I have 4 on Vista installation
System / Programs / Setup and backup / Data and documents
More three of Linux (swap and Home) and more two of HP recovery...

Man... I have 9 partitions

To backup, click Mozy on my signature and make on-line backups for free

[Husk]

Ok, I think I understand.

But how many MB's are in a GB. I'm guessing it had nothing to do with memory usage. So how many should I get for my understanding, Your all giving different answers








I checked it

I have 1 partition with around 238700 MB
and one unpartitioned one


Do I make a new one? or do I keep the same one and press whatever button I need to?

[onlysomeone]

1 GB = 1024 MB

I still would say 5 GB at least... but its very few (a friend of mine every times gets 'few space available on C:'-Messages because of an only 5 GB C-drive)

So i still recommend 7 GB for Windows and the rest of the available space for a second partition (for programs and so on...) (or only one partition at all - which i personally recommend for amateur computer users)

other opinions welcome

[Husk]

So, I delete the one I already have?

[onlysomeone]

exactly... delete your partition you already have and make new ones...

BUT: deleting a partition also means that everything on this partition is away - including your OS, so you can't boot Windows any more...!

[Husk]

Ok, thanks

[Sesame]

Oh...somehow I thought Husk had only one computer...my bad.

As for the amount of C drive, I don't know...if Husk needs to install huge apps such as 3D computer games, he or she needs quite lot of space, while usual office apps will find several GB enough as some people have already mentioned.

[Lisandro]

I still would say 5 GB at least... but its very few (a friend of mine every times gets 'few space available on C:'-Messages because of an only 5 GB C-drive)

Guide him to tweak this and remove the 'low space' available messages

[Sesame]

This really depends on how do the owner use his/her PC...my PC's used area for C drive is just about  3GB but some of my acquaintances need much more disk space.  These people tend to be gamers.  This may sound crazy but a single game can require 12GB.

[onlysomeone]

I still would say 5 GB at least... but its very few (a friend of mine every times gets 'few space available on C:'-Messages because of an only 5 GB C-drive)

Guide him to tweak this and remove the 'low space' available messages

I'll try to 

[Gouveia]

won't need to back up all the stuff from the bigger partition...

The bigger partition contains all of your personal information like My Documents.
Not exactly something to leave unprotected or without a backup.

Programs can always be re-installed. Your data, once lost, can't unless it's been backed up.
Just my 2 cents. 

Yeah, Backup saves you, always. But, let's assume that he doesn't have too much time in his hand and/or ways to make backups. That pretty much helps a lot. Of course, you need to make it safe, but that makes it easier in my opinion

[bob3160]

But, let's assume

Rule #1 Never assume if you do, you generally make an ass out of u and me 

[Gouveia]

But, let's assume

Rule #1 Never assume if you do, you generally make an ass out of u and me 

Good one!

@Rumple: There are games that need 20GB nowadays.