Linux ATA RAID HOWTO
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1. Introduction

The goal of this HOWTO document is to explain how to setup RAID 1 (mirroring) with the two hard disks and install bootable RedHat Linux Operating System on the mirror device. This document discusses both methods of achieving this goal: 1. Using Promise supplied driver 2. Using Linux native RAID. If you choose the first method (using Promise supplied driver), you must use the Kernel 2.4.7-10 that comes with RedHat 7.2 CD. If you choose the second method, you can upgrade the kernel to the latest kernel (2.4.18). This document does not discuss Striping or other disk configurations, although the author believes that this document might help setup those configurations. This document does not yet cover: 1. Installation using GRUB instead of LILO and 2. Installation with Latest development kernels (2.5.x).

First of all we need a bit of legalese. Recent development shows it is quite important.

1.1. Copyright Information

� 2002 Murty Rompalli

This document is copyrighted � 2002 Murty Rompalli and is distributed under the terms of the GNU Free Documentation License and additional terms described below.

This Linux HOWTO document may be reproduced and distributed in whole or in part, in any medium physical or electronic, as long as this copyright notice is retained on all copies. Commercial redistribution is allowed and encouraged; however, the author would like to be notified of any such distributions.

All translations, derivative works, or aggregate works incorporating this Linux HOWTO document must be covered under this copyright notice. That is, you may not produce a derivative work from this HOWTO document and impose additional restrictions on its distribution. Exceptions to these rules may be granted under certain conditions; please contact the Linux HOWTO coordinator at this address <linux-howto@metalab.unc.edu>.

In short, the author wishes to promote dissemination of this information through as many channels as possible but wish to retain copyright on this HOWTO document, and would like to be notified of any plans to redistribute this HOWTO document.

1.2. Disclaimer

No liability for the contents of this documents can be accepted. Use the concepts, examples and other content at your own risk. As this is a new edition of this document, there may be errors and inaccuracies, that may of course be damaging to your system. Proceed with caution, and although this is highly unlikely, the author does not take any responsibility for that.

All copyrights are held by their by their respective owners, unless specifically noted otherwise. Use of a term in this document should not be regarded as affecting the validity of any trademark or service mark.

Naming of particular products or brands should not be seen as endorsements.

You are strongly recommended to take a backup of your system before major installation and backups at regular intervals.

1.3. New Versions

The newest version of this HOWTO will always be made available on my website http://www.murty.net/ataraid/, or you may contact me directly at <murty at solar . murty . net> to check if there is a newer version.

Currently, this document is available in the following formats:

Note that paper sizes vary in the world, A4 and US letter differ significantly. You might also wish to consider using the universal format (8.27x11in; 210x279mm).