Need some help with AlmaLinux GUI install

plumberg

So, I prefer installing AlmaLinux via netboot or the iso and use the GUI to set it up.

I end up doing Full Disk Encryption with LUKS.

Recently got a storage box which has both ssd (for OS around 20gb) and hdd (for storage).

During the install, usually I would select Automatic partitioning and call it a day with a single Disk.

Now if I select automatic, it creates a root partition of let's say 70gb which is overlapping between the small ssd and hdd. It is probably an issue I feel?

So, how does one go about ensuring that the root, boot are on the ssd while the remaining is under hdd... Will maintaining luks for full disk encryption.

Thanks!

dev_vps

@plumberg
Disclaimer -
This is from MS Co-Pilot

To ensure that the root and boot partitions are on the SSD while the remaining storage is on the HDD, and maintaining LUKS for full disk encryption, you can follow these steps:

Step 1: Identify Your Drives

1. List all block devices:
   sh lsblk
2. Identify your SSD and HDD:
   sh sudo fdisk -l

Step 2: Partition the Drives

1. Create partitions on the SSD:

   • Open a partitioning tool like fdisk or parted.
   • Create a primary partition for the root (/) and a small boot partition (/boot).
   • Example partition sizes: / (20GB) and /boot (1GB).

2. Create partitions on the HDD:

   • Create a single large partition for the remaining storage.

Step 3: Install AlmaLinux

1. Boot from the AlmaLinux ISO or use netboot.
2. Select "Custom" partitioning during the installation process.
3. Assign the partitions:
   • Assign the root partition (/) to the SSD.
   • Assign the boot partition (/boot) to the SSD.
   • Assign the remaining partition to the HDD.

Step 4: Set Up LUKS Encryption

1. Install cryptsetup (if not already installed):
   sh sudo dnf install -y cryptsetup

2. Initialize LUKS on the SSD partitions:

   sudo cryptsetup luksFormat /dev/sdX1
   sudo cryptsetup luksFormat /dev/sdX2
   

   Replace /dev/sdX1 and /dev/sdX2 with the correct device identifiers for the root and boot partitions.

3. Open the encrypted partitions:

   sudo cryptsetup open /dev/sdX1 root
   sudo cryptsetup open /dev/sdX2 boot
   

4. Create filesystems on the encrypted partitions:
   sh sudo mkfs.ext4 /dev/mapper/root sudo mkfs.ext4 /dev/mapper/boot
5. Mount the partitions:
   sh sudo mount /dev/mapper/root /mnt sudo mount /dev/mapper/boot /mnt/boot

Step 5: Complete the Installation

1. Proceed with the AlmaLinux installation, selecting the mounted partitions for / and /boot.

Step 6: Update /etc/fstab

1. Edit /etc/fstab to ensure the encrypted partitions are mounted automatically at boot:
   sh echo "/dev/mapper/root / ext4 defaults 0 0" >> /etc/fstab echo "/dev/mapper/boot /boot ext4 defaults 0 0" >> /etc/fstab

Step 7: Reboot

1. Reboot your system to ensure everything is set up correctly.

By following these steps, you can ensure that your root and boot partitions are on the SSD, while the remaining storage is on the HDD, all while maintaining LUKS for full disk encryption.