Topic: Adding mirrored drives

[mjw]

I've been running SME 6.0 in server-only mode for a few months now and have decided to increase disk storage and switch to server and gateway mode.

Presently, I'm using two 18GB SCSI drives with mirroring. I want to continuing using software RAID but will use IDE drives. I'm considering two options:

i) use an 80GB IDE drive from my workstation and buy another 80GB drive for mirroring.

ii) buy two new IDE drives with 100GB+ capacity.

Although the first option is attractive I will require additional storage sooner or later. So here's my question: can I add additional mirrored storage later? Or would it be better to bite the bullet and get two new large drives now?

TIA,

M

[Boris]

It is much easier to install with mirrored drive from the start. It also asures that drives are exactly the same. If you you buy them separately, even the same make and model (made on the different factory) they may be slightly different and that sometimes makes if difficalt to mirror.

[mjw]

It is much easier to install with mirrored drive from the start. It also asures that drives are exactly the same. If you you buy them separately, even the same make and model (made on the different factory) they may be slightly different and that sometimes makes if difficalt to mirror.

Thanks for your reply. However, It doesn't really answer my question, which is whether or not I can readily add mirrored drives later?

I think your comments on what constitutes 'identical drives' is interesting and could be a thread in itself. My experience of modern drives suggests that this isn't an issue so long as you're sensible in your choices.

I'm still undecided but will probably opt for two new large drives when the pay cheque comes in.