Setting up partions when installing fresh OS

[Studio de' Lara]

HEllo,
When you do a fresh install, can you set up the partion size / amount during the install process?
Can you change / add a partion after the OS (X) is already installed to the drive the OS is on?
I have an 80 gig drive, that I would like to partion (currently with OSX 10.2.8. I would like to split the drive in 1/2 so I can have Jaguar on one and Panther on the other.
I am thinking the right way?
Thanks!
Rich

[rainman::|:|]

well besides the fact that having jag and panther on separate partitions is a bit pointless... you must do it while you're installing, partitioning reformats the drive and all data will be lost. i don't remember if it's an installer option, or if you need to use Disk Utility on the drive first...

pnw

[Studio de' Lara]

It's not "pointless". My current setup is running great. I don't want to take a chance and ruin it with a Panther update. I don't know how all my programs / hardware (I have an audio studio) will work.
With two separate OS partions I can slowly and safely bring Panther to the forefront and continue working. This is how I migrated from Windows 95 through the newer versions to XP. I had multiple partions with the different OS versions.
Regards,
Rich

[tomf87]

During the install, click the Installer menu and use Disk Utility.

[Studio de' Lara]

Thanks for the info.
Regards,
Rich

[idea_hamster]

Also, I would suggest putting the OS that you are going to use LESS often on the first partition (at the top of the diagram in Disk Utility) and what is your current default OS on the second partition.

This way, you can chose the second partition in the Start Up Disk preference panel for your default OS and upon re-starting, just hold down the 'D' key to start from the first partition.

Then, when if you've decided to make the new OS your defaul, you can just change it in the pref panel.

Just a thought -- avoiding the start-up manager saves (a little) time during start-up.

[Studio de' Lara]

Thanks for the tips. This is what I needed.
Best Regards,
Rich