Question : Problem: Raid 0+1, 5 (hardware/software)

Not sure if this is the right topic area to post this question.

I am a newbie in Raid. Currently, I am running a SBS2k and all backups r on tapes. No raid.

Wondering:
How do i do a hardware raid 0 +1? How does the whole setup goes about?

Software raid. How stable is this as compared to hardware? Understand all my HDD have to be converted to Dynamic for such purpose. Any guides(Url) to assist me on such setup on a 2k server machine?

Using raid 1+0, by any chances if a HDD fails in the process, how does the system responds to it? will the system automatically fall back on the mirrored HDD and allow services to run?

Considering doing a raid5 oso, Is the setup similar to Raid 0+1?

Lastly, Is WinXP pro able to support all raid ( maybe 0, 1, 0+1, 5) functions?

Pardon me if i am asking some obvious or even stupid questions.. I am still exploring. Thanks!!

Answer : Problem: Raid 0+1, 5 (hardware/software)

> How do i do a hardware raid 0 +1? How does the whole setup goes about?

This depends entirely on the raid controller you are using. They usually have a software tool which is in the firmware of the adapter and is started similar like when you enter the bios of your PC, using a key combination at the right time of the booting process. This software can normally be upgraded and is often easy to setup.

> Software raid. How stable is this as compared to hardware?

It is stable enough, but difficult to manage and uses plenty of system resources. The system will slowdown, and you can't properly use software raid for your System. In the Windows world it only works on Server OS's (there may be 3rd party programs to get it running on non server OS's, though). It is less of a problem in the 'nix world.

> Using raid 1+0, by any chances if a HDD fails in the process, how does the system responds to it?

Raid 0 alone will just stop that array from working. If your OS resides on that array, the PC will crash. Raid 1 upwards you get a message about the degraded raid if you have installed the accompanying (windows) software of the raid controller and also have loaded this software residant. The system can slowdown. When booting a bad array you also get a message about the array being degraded, and normally you are asked what you intend to do (try rebuilding, keep on booting etc). It again depends on the controller you are using and how that software works. In some raid systems you can also configure a "hot spare", this drive then automatically takes over from the bad drive. It will of course take some time until rebuild is finished. Also, good array controllers allow you to hot swap a drive while the system is running, so you don't have any downtime.

> Considering doing a raid5 oso, Is the setup similar to Raid 0+1?

This again depends on the controller and it's software..., but yes, normally it is similar.

> Lastly, Is WinXP pro able to support all raid ( maybe 0, 1, 0+1, 5) functions?

Using hardware raid, yes.