What are disks and volumes
Disk
A Cloud Server disk is a virtual storage resource. It behaves like a physical hard disk and is used to store data permanently or persistently. A Cloud Server disk can be:
- the primary disk (HD 1) - contains the operating system and is provided automatically when the Cloud Server is created;
- a secondary disk (HD 2, HD 3, HD 4) - you can add it manually from the Control Panel.
The disk provides raw space that can be initialized, partitioned and formatted to make it usable by the operating system.
Volume
A volume is a logical portion of a disk, formatted with a file system, that can be used to store files and data.
What operations can be performed on Cloud Server disks from the Control Panel
The operations you can perform on Cloud Server disks from the Control Panel are:
- increase the space on the primary disk (extend the volume);
- add a secondary disk;
- add space to a secondary disk (extend the volume);
- create a disk image;
- delete a secondary disk.
The operations you cannot perform on Cloud Server disks from the Control Panel are:
- delete the primary disk;
- decrease the size of a disk (primary or secondary).
Initializing a disk
To initialize a disk, prepare it for use by creating a partition structure. This process is generally performed on new disks and allows you to choose between different partition styles. Only after initializing the disk can you partition and format it.
Partitioning a volume
Partitioning a disk means dividing it into multiple logical sections called partitions. Each partition can be formatted and used independently, as if it were a separate disk. You can create a partition to keep your personal files separate from the operating system, or to install multiple operating systems on the same disk. After partitioning the disk, you can assign a specific file system to each partition, allowing the operating system to read and write data correctly.
Formatting a disk
Formatting a disk means preparing it to store files and data. During formatting, a file system is created that allows the operating system to recognize the available space and use it correctly.
When you format a disk, all existing data is deleted. For this reason, you should only perform this operation if you are sure that you no longer need the information already stored on it.
You can format a newly created partition or an existing disk, for example to change the file system or resolve read and write issues.
Mounting (bringing online) and unmounting (taking offline) a disk
Mounting (bringing online) a disk means making it accessible to the Cloud Server operating system by assigning it an access point. Once mounted, the disk can be used to read or write data.
Unmounting (taking offline) a disk means temporarily disabling it. The system will no longer be able to access it, but the data will remain intact.