cons of partitioning?

getting a new laptop in the next few days..needless to day it has only 1 HD. So I figure it might be worht it to partition so reformatting is easier.

Would there be any disadvantages to doing this? Like slower performance or something...

Also, say I have two partitions, one for windows/programs, one for stuff i want to keep, and i go into windows 2k/xp setup, would it be good to do this:
1. Delete the Windows partition
2. Recreate the partition from free space
3. Install to that partition
4. Pray that the new partition somehow ends up as drive C

Step 4 has me a tad worried :)

TIA

-C

I would expect the installation process to give you some options relating to partitioning the disk.

Depending on where you purchase it, most systems come with an OS installed. This is especially true of laptops which are seldom (if ever) put together by clone makers or the end user.

If the system comes with the OS installed, make sure they supply you with an install CD in case something goes wrong.

There is no downside to partitioning a large hard disk. It is generally a good idea. It is easier to organize files and do backups.

It might be worthwhile to invest in Partition Magic by PowerQuest. Version 7.0 is now available, making 6.0 sell at a discount from the $60 to $70 (American) original price. 6.0 will do pretty much everything you need to do. It will create & delete partitions. More important, it will move and or resize them without losing data. If you decide you want an extra partition or want to change the size of existing partitions, PM will do it for you.

PM comes with a utility called Boot magic which will enable you to run more than one OS if you want to fool with such a system.