Checking Hard Drive

[Richard]

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>fdisk /dev/hdaN, where N is the partition #
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>Richard wrote:
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>>What command would I use to check the hard and its partition,
>>making sure all is well?
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>>Thanks -
>>Rich
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Great, how about this:
I have a second drive (hdb) want to re-format this drive, and mount it 
automatic
second: this drive is going to be used for mp3 and video play back. 
(maybe holding some .pdf's )

!what format type Linux partition or vfat32 ? should I used and why?
and last, how does one right the command to do all the above?

again: hdb is the slave ide drive.

Thanks Again.
Rich