Though the mechanics of partitioning a harddrive are fairly straightforward, I don't have a clue about the best way to separate and position the OS, FS9, Program Files and other files.  This can be single (500GB) or dual (500+250) drive, whichever works best.

Sub
No reason, other than something I thought I read.  Figured since I've got to format this new drive, better do it the best way for FS9.  On my current drive, the 250, I mistakenly cloned an almost full 80 drive which gave me an 80 partition with about 170 unallocated so I created a 170 partition thinking to expand the 80 into the 170, creating maybe a 240 and a 10.  No such luck.  My partition program found a fault so, when I ordered the 'barebones' stuff, I included a new drive - 500, which might not have been necessary were I not such a screwup  .