format hdd for linux backup hdd

when i try to format my backup hdd adn when i typ in the terminal

fdisk /dev/hdb it says unable to open /dev/hdb

how would i fix this

 

it would be easier to use a program like gparted because it has a gui. it is alot easier to use. i tried to use fdisk last night and had trouble with it. so just download gparted then try to format

 

i cant run programs or do anything.

whenever i setup a launcher it says child process ned permission and stops

 

ok, try cfdisk. it has a basic gui and is simple to use. just type that into the terminal

 

ight already dont like linux nothing works but thx for your help ill mess with it on a partion

 

dont say you dont like linux. eventualy you will figure it out and you will love it/ it just takes time to learn. also after you format you will have to mount it. type mkdir /Partition. then type gedit /etc/fstab. then you need to add the partition to the file

you have to tytpe the device path. then the mount point, then the file system, then defaults, then 0 and 0

/dev/hda2 /Data ext3 defaults 0 0