i'm gonna do it! reformat + install X exclusively

[boi]

okay, i'm completely void of any knowledge pertaining to partitions, formatting, etc. on a mac, but this isn't stopping me from formatting the computer and installing X only on it.
what i have:
imac 600mhz cd-rw drive. 40gb. 768mb ram.
original X cd.
X.1 update cd.

what would be the preferred method of doing what i'm about to do? i need something fairly specific, because i's dumb ^_^.
i do graphic design, dtp, etc. and with illustrator X, suitcase X and indesign 2 in my X arsenal, i think i'm ready to move over. i can't wait until golive 6!
anyway, would i need to partition the drive for any reason? i've heard it's not a bad idea, but i'm not sure what good it'd do me.
someone englighten me! i hope i survive this task!

thanks.
Oo boi o.

[fryke]

For backup reasons. You can copy your whole home directory to the second partition, so if you ever have to completely reinstall the system, at least your settings and files will be safe. You might also want to directly put your documents on another partition for the same reason. I keep three partitions nowadays, because I also give the Classic environment its own. I'll be on two as soon as I can get rid of it, but as of yet, I still need it for Photoshop and GoLive (as well as Illustrator, our package hasn't arrived yet).

[Lazarus18]

I have four partitions on mine. One for X, one for 9, one for the swap partition, and one for data/backup purposes.

Although frankly I really didn't see a performance boost out of setting the swap to its own partition so I'd pass on that one.

But definitely go with at least two. Just think ahead and figure what you might need cause there's no going back .

If I were you I'd do three. A 10 gig or so X partition, and then do what you will with the rest, splitting it between a backup partition and your home directories. Look around for the how's of moving your home. It's not overly hard, but not incredibly simple either.