My RAID Rules
RTA Information Technology, Tempe, AZ
RAID arrays (Redundant Array of Inexpensive Drives) are being used by more home PC users than ever. Many want to speed their hard drive performance. This means RAID 0 (striping). Others want to keep their data safe using mirrored drives (RAID 1). No matter which you choose, consider my four RAID rules.
MY RAID RULES:
1) RAID, no matter WHAT kind of RAID array, is NOT a substitute for backups. If you don't want to lose your data, make a BACKUP. Preferably on tape or removable hard drive, where it can be kept safe and away from your computer. Even mirrored RAID drives don't protect against user error, accidental overwrites, accidental deletion, malicious deletion, drive controller failure, worms, viruses, trojans, fire, theft, or flood.
2) RAID arrays of all types are subject to hardware and user mistakes that can cause data loss. RAID arrays ARE COMPLEX and things can go wrong. See 1), above.
3) RAID 1 (mirroring) is easy to use and is the SAFEST RAID array. It's the least storage-efficient array, but has some big ease-of-use advantages. One advantage is you can pull one of the drives and have an instant full backup of your drive. But, see 1) above. People have lost ALL their data on a RAID 1, mirrored, array.
4) RAID 0 (striping) is MUCH more likely to lose data than any other RAID array. Let me put it bluntly:
A RAID 0 array is a disaster waiting to happen.
As long as you realize this and keep ongoing backups, then use RAID 0 if it suits you. See 1), above.
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Summary Rule:
If you care about your data, have a backup plan. RAID 0, RAID 1, RAID 5, or no RAID at all, it makes no difference.
RAID arrays (Redundant Array of Inexpensive Drives) are being used by more home PC users than ever. Many want to speed their hard drive performance. This means RAID 0 (striping). Others want to keep their data safe using mirrored drives (RAID 1). No matter which you choose, consider my four RAID rules.
MY RAID RULES:
1) RAID, no matter WHAT kind of RAID array, is NOT a substitute for backups. If you don't want to lose your data, make a BACKUP. Preferably on tape or removable hard drive, where it can be kept safe and away from your computer. Even mirrored RAID drives don't protect against user error, accidental overwrites, accidental deletion, malicious deletion, drive controller failure, worms, viruses, trojans, fire, theft, or flood.
2) RAID arrays of all types are subject to hardware and user mistakes that can cause data loss. RAID arrays ARE COMPLEX and things can go wrong. See 1), above.
3) RAID 1 (mirroring) is easy to use and is the SAFEST RAID array. It's the least storage-efficient array, but has some big ease-of-use advantages. One advantage is you can pull one of the drives and have an instant full backup of your drive. But, see 1) above. People have lost ALL their data on a RAID 1, mirrored, array.
4) RAID 0 (striping) is MUCH more likely to lose data than any other RAID array. Let me put it bluntly:
A RAID 0 array is a disaster waiting to happen.
As long as you realize this and keep ongoing backups, then use RAID 0 if it suits you. See 1), above.
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Summary Rule:
If you care about your data, have a backup plan. RAID 0, RAID 1, RAID 5, or no RAID at all, it makes no difference.
posted by Myron Johnson | 8:28 PM
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