Parted Magic Overview
Parted Magic is a comprehensive live operating system tailored for disk partitioning, data rescue, and hardware diagnostics. Loaded with a suite of professional-grade applications, it transforms any computer into a high-powered maintenance station without altering the host operating system. Designed for system administrators, IT technicians, and discerning enthusiasts, Parted Magic delivers speed, reliability, and an intuitive graphical interface.
Partitioning Tools
GParted
GParted is the cornerstone of Parted Magic. With a modern GUI, it supports resizing, copying, moving, and merging partitions across diverse file systems.
- Supported filesystems: ext4, NTFS, FAT16, FAT32, HFS , XFS, Btrfs
- Dynamic resizing without data loss
- Partition alignment for SSD and advanced format HDD
Parted
Parted provides a powerful command-line alternative for scripting and automation. Ideal for headless environments or integrating into custom workflows.
- Scriptable batch operations
- Flexible device recognition by UUID and label
- Support for advanced GPT and MBR partition tables
Disk Cloning and Imaging
Clonezilla
Clonezilla enables sector-level or file-level cloning. Perfect for rapid system deployment and full disk backups.
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Multicast clone | Clone multiple machines simultaneously to save time |
| Encryption support | AES-based encryption for secure images |
| Compression | gzip, bzip2, xz for efficient storage |
Partclone
Partclone excels at incremental backups of supported filesystems. Data transfer is optimized by copying only used blocks.
- High throughput performance
- Compatibility with Clonezilla as backend
- Recovery from partial corruption
Data Recovery
TestDisk
TestDisk recovers lost partitions and repairs boot sectors. It restores deleted files from FAT, NTFS, ext2 and more.
- Partition table rebuild
- Deep sector search
- Boot sector backup and restore
PhotoRec
PhotoRec excels at carving files by signature, reconstructing thousands of formats even from damaged media.
- Supports 480 file extensions
- No reliance on file system metadata
- Ease of use via text interface
ddrescue
ddrescue is engineered for data recovery from failing drives. It intelligently retries reading bad sectors, logging progress for resumption.
- Logfile based safe retries
- Adaptive read size adjustment
- Multithreaded copy for high-speed transfers
Benchmarking and Testing
Badblocks
Badblocks scans for defective sectors, generating detailed reports. It can optionally map out bad blocks to prevent future writes.
- Read only, write mode options
- Custom block size configuration
- CSV output for automated analysis
DiskSpeed
DiskSpeed measures sequential and random IOPS, delivering real-time performance graphs.
- Read/write throughput benchmarks
- Configurable queue depths
- Exportable CSV and HTML reports
Secure Erase and Data Sanitization
hdparm Secure Erase
hdparm invokes firmware-level secure erase commands on ATA and NVMe devices, ensuring irrecoverable data removal.
- Enhanced and standard erase modes
- Compliance with NIST 800-88 guidelines
- Detailed progress indicators
shred
shred overwrites data sectors multiple times, with optional random patterns to thwart forensic recovery.
- Overwrite count configuration
- Verification pass for integrity check
- Support for entire devices or individual files
System Utilities
MemTest86
MemTest86 conducts exhaustive RAM diagnostics outside the host OS, identifying timing errors and faulty modules.
- Multiple test patterns
- ECC error detection
- Multicore testing optimization
CPU-Z and GPU-Z
Comprehensive hardware profiling tools that report processor, cache, chipset, memory, and graphics card details with precision.
Boot Repair
Graphical wizard for rebuilding GRUB, repairing EFI boot entries, and restoring Windows bootloaders.
Network and Miscellaneous Tools
WiFi Radar
Graphical interface for scanning, connecting, and diagnosing wireless networks. Supports WEP, WPA and enterprise authentication.
SSH Client and SFTP
Secure remote access via terminal and file transfer, enabling network-based maintenance without physical access.
Web Browser and File Manager
A lightweight browser and dual-pane file manager facilitate downloading drivers, accessing cloud storage, and moving data across partitions.
Conclusion
Parted Magic stands apart through its integration of partitioning, cloning, recovery, benchmarking, and security utilities into a seamless live environment. Every tool is meticulously maintained, offering the performance and stability demanded by professionals. Whether resizing partitions on the fly or rescuing critical data from a failing disk, Parted Magic provides the ultimate arsenal for system maintenance and data management.
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