[SOLVED] not enough free space on /boot

[carmar]

Silly question, I thought system updates were installed to root, not boot. I'm getting a message when trying to update.
I reinstalled Zorin, some time back, with 38G root partition (11G used). But I still only have 464MB boot partition (359MB used).
Is boot space the new thing to worry about? Is this because I let old kernels stay?

[Swarfendor437]

Hi, Did you set up /boot at install or did you do an automatic install? I only ever create a /boot partition manually for complex installs (Win 10 if I ever used it but not in the future) or complex SSD's like on EEEpc netbooks. When doing a 'something else' install I only ever use:

/esp (50 Mb) (if GPT/secure boot install
/root (30/50 Gb
/home (space left at beginning of extended partition)
/swap (at end of extended partition, double the physical RAM) - (NOT needed if installing to SSD!)

[carmar]

I set up root, boot, swap (12GB since RAM is 6GB), home (20GB) partitions myself on installation. Not automatic installation, the "something else" option.
I have only HDDs, not SSDs.

[hadisch]

Presumably there are too many old kernels around in /boot.
sudo apt autoremove --purge should solve the problem.

[carmar]

Thanks, hadisch. That is also what the Software Updater messaged.

To be more specific, my question is:
In the long run, is it more efficient (time cost, not disk cost) to either: (a) have a larger boot partition than 500 MB, or, (b) keep cleaning out old kernels ?

Based on Swarf's and your response, it seems (a) is the answer. But if anyone recommends (b), I'd like to know what boot partition size they recommend.

[hadisch]

Since too little space today is no longer an issue, I would put on a larger /boot partition. But it does not hurt to occasionally clean up under the old kernels. I myself have not seen any need for a separate /boot partition.

[Aravisian]

Since too little space today is no longer an issue, I would put on a larger /boot partition. But it does not hurt to occasionally clean up under the old kernels. I myself have not seen any need for a separate /boot partition.

I agree. My boot partition is default 500megs and I never have any issues. I also do not hang on to old kernels.
However, just as we all use our brains differently, people use their computers differently, too. A person that does a LOT of installations of software, trying out many different softwares and testing will probably be better served with a bit more boot space.
The only solid recommendation is to find your groove and snuggle up into it. Whatever works best for you is what is best for you.
If you feel like you are needing to clean too often and too much, then you may be cleaning too often and too much for your tastes.

[carmar]

Since too little space today is no longer an issue, I would put on a larger /boot partition. But it does not hurt to occasionally clean up under the old kernels. I myself have not seen any need for a separate /boot partition.

Thanks. What do you recommend for larger boot size?

...
However, just as we all use our brains differently, people use their computers differently, too. A person that does a LOT of installations of software, trying out many different softwares and testing will probably be better served with a bit more boot space
....
If you feel like you are needing to clean too often and too much, then you may be cleaning too often and too much for your tastes.

I don't use my brain at all - it should show in my posts.

But seriously, thanks A.

This is the first time I saw the boot space message since I installed (for both 1st and current Zorin install). I install my windows games occasionally using PlayOnLinux but I don't get any space messages due to them. Other than that I don't install any other new software. My root partition has consistently been 11GB since I reinstalled Zorin with a 38GB root partition. I'm fine with the extra space sitting unused but I'm also fine with frequent cleaning.

Ok, once hadisch recommends a larger boot size, I may consider reinstalling but first I'll do a cleanup for sure. I have no problem doing a reinstall with different partitions since I don't install many programs. And my storage drives are separate from my system drives, so my setup times are very small after an OS install.

[hadisch]

Thanks. What do you recommend for larger boot size?

I would recommend 500 MB - 2 GB, so that there is always enough space for kernel updates. But like I said, I actually do not see any need for a separate boot partition.

[carmar]

Thanks. One more question. When you write 'separate boot partition', do you mean that if I install without specifying a boot partition (while using the 'something else' option during install), then I should be ok? So, I can install after just specifying the root, home, and swap partition sizes? Or did I misunderstand?