Ubuntu (like all UNIX-like systems) organizes files in a hierarchical tree. At the top of this tree is / (the root directory) where everything else resides including the /home directory.
The /home directory is where all users' personal files, folders and settings resides such as music, photos, videos, etc. - everything you see in the Home folder in Nautilus.
Thus, creating a separate partition for /home will allow you to reinstall Ubuntu and still keep all your personal files and settings safe.
Option A
Create a separate /home partition using Live CD:
- Boot from a LiveCD and select "Try Ubuntu".
Launch GParted from Dash.
In the GParted window, select which partition you want to resize to create space for /home.
Select the unallocated space gained from the above step and click on Partition → New from the menu.
Select the filesystem you want, ext3 or ext4.
Click Apply, Close then Quit.
Now, you need to tell Ubuntu to use the new partition as /home.
gksu gedit /etc/fstab
this will open the fstab file in gedit, now add the following line:
/dev/sdxy /home ext4 defaults 0 0
where 'sdxy' is the partition you just created, i.e. /dev/sda2
Save and close the file.
- Reboot.
Option B
Create a separate /home partition during installation:
- Boot from a LiveCD and select "Install Ubuntu".
- In the next window click on Continue.
- In the "Installation Type" window, select "Something Else" then "Continue.
In the next window, select a free (unallocated) space and click on "Add".
You have to create at least 2 partitions: / and /home
In the Create partition window:
- Set the size for the partition
- Select the filesystem (ext3 or ext4)
- Select the mount point, use:
/ for root/home for home
Once you're done creating partitions, you should have one ext3/ext4 partition with a mount point of / and one ext3/ext4 partition with a mount point of /home. Depending on your situation, you may also have a swap partition.
If you're satisfied with your partition scheme, click Forward to continue with the installation.
