Firstly, software Raid is only really advisable where the drives are permanently connected, such as in a Tower system where they can be mounted internally. Indeed with RAID 0 (striping) it is imperative, as breaking the array will make all the data totally inaccessible until the drives are reconnected.
If you use RAID 1 (mirroring), breaking the array will not stop the remaining drive from working, but when you reconnect the array will have to be resynchronised, which is a fairly lengthy process. With Apple�s soft RAID you will have to manually trigger a rebuild when necessary using Disk Utility. One thing to consider is that you cannot RAID the boot volume, either with Apple�s software or with the better-featured alternative, SoftRAID. This would involve you in having to first of all partition your PB�s drive (if it�s not already partitioned), and then you could RAID the non-boot volume(s). This clearly is of reduced value, and requires you to be disciplined to keep all your data on the non-boot volume(s). If you do have a problem with your boot drive you will still have to rebuild this manually through re-installation of the system and applications. In your circumstance my personal recommendation would be to avoid RAID and to use a utility like Retrospect or Carbon Copy Cloner, scheduled to perform an incremental backup on a regular (ideally nightly) basis. This is now the approach I personally use, and the approach I recommend to my clients to use. There are obviously some pros and cons of all approaches. In deciding which approach to use, consider that there are three primary causes of data loss � hard drive failure, directory corruption and theft. Evaluate any solutions on the basis of these � you will be able to see that each solution will address some of these potential problems better than others, but none are perfect for all three. When weighted with their likelihood and the convenience of each, my vote nowadays comes down in favour of the approach I have recommended � but you may have alternative considerations. Hope this helps, Nick -- Nick Collingridge - Zapp Computer Consultancy > From: Tom Burke <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> > Reply-To: "Mac UK" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> > Date: Sat, 22 Nov 2003 12:36:05 +0000 > To: "Mac UK" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> > Subject: Software RAID > > Then I noticed the RAID option in Disk Utility. Is it worth using? -- Mac UK is sponsored by <http://lowendmac.com/> and... 123Inkjets.com <http://lowendmac.com/ad/123inkjets.html> Support Low End Mac <http://lowendmac.com/lists/support.html> Mac UK list info: <http://lowendmac.com/lists/mac-uk.shtml> --> AOL users, remove "mailto:"; Send list messages to: <mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To unsubscribe, email: <mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]> For digest mode, email: <mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Subscription questions: <mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Archive: <http://www.mail-archive.com/mac-uk%40mail.maclaunch.com/> Using a Mac? Free email & more at Applelinks! http://www.applelinks.com
