Hi Chris,
maybe this is the sort of feedback you are looking for. Quick info on my
profile: quite exp. Windows Sys Admin, converting to Linux. No Linux
experience until recently. Had to set up a Server, RAID1 was a "must". Had
to struggle my way through command lines etc. and am doing this now for four
weeks. Upon looking for the right way I started with the RAID-Software
HowTo the Mini-Howto and so on. I went crazy. Accomplishing a task where I
need 2 minutes with NT took several days (and not yet finished, although
almost done, thanks to you, Bruno Prior and I think Martin Bene.) I totally
agree that these pieces of information should be removed. In my eyes they
are hurting Linux because new users would tend to give up on Linux before
they really started as soon as they realize such old docus.
Here a feedback about your instructions:
1) Didn't need pristine sources on the Kernel.
2) Include the zero_page_errror.
3) The problem of installing a Root Raid should be emphasized (e.g. have to
use partition or extra disk).
4) Introduction, giving a big picture what will happen would help.
5) Combine Prior's, Martin Bene's (very good picture of how to fdisk the
RAID disks, LILO config's) and your (best "structure" by giving point by
point Instructions) Docu's
6) Idea (don't know whether this works - not enough Linux exp.):
Martin writes: ....For me installation as fairly easy...I just biult raid
tools & a raid kernel on one of the old systems and copied tools+kernel onto
the setup disk; this way you can setup your raid device while runnning off a
floppy and install right onto the /dev/md* device...." Wouldn't it be
posible to put such a "disk" on ftp for download?
7) Implement Martin's LILO config to avoid using boot floppies.
8) Last not least: Thanks a lot for giving out infos on these things.....
Cheers, Till
Some DOCUMENTATION, and some COMMUNICATION are in order from the
linux-raid group to **ALL** Linux distro vendors. Hell, after I got RAID1
working (about three weeks ago) I sent my ~15 step list (for setting up
said RAID1 box) not once, BUT TWICE to this mailing list with a clear
request for a peer review of my setup process (check the archives and
confirm, please?)..
To this day, I have NOT received one single response from either
of those original emails.
Hell, instead of hearing you whine, I will liase with Redhat as
long as someone will send me up to date and current info to forward
(however, I do not think I have enough knowledge of where linux-raid is
going/has been to assume this responsibility -> however some communication
is better than none).
Chris
