Thread: RAID-1 partition misalignment issue

hello all!

first of started using linux first time 2 days ago new pretty , computer experience has pretty been limited basic windows functions little command line experience basic click click instructions appreciated.

research scientist , using linux 64 bit machine ubuntu installed run matlab scripts. bought 2 3tb lacie external d2 quadra drives , wanted software raid-1 basic storage only. load ton of data on computer need them storage automatic backup don't have manually data every week. pretty need information stored on 1 drive stored on other figured raid-1 way go.

problem used ubuntu disk utility set raid-1 every time drives state "warning: partition misaligned 3072 bytes. may severely impact drive performance." when click on multi-disk device (the raid-1) in disk utility says "resyncing". after 2 days progress bar resyncing 10% complete. when try start saving data raid-1 data save status of array changed "degraded" in angry red font. "drive activity" lights in sync both drives once status changed "degraded" lights out of sync.

have heard avoid need set raid using console , not disk utility have no idea how of this. have read online "how-to's" above head. 1 big issue running don't know how partition drives in console or how should partition them including size , formats. drives used linux computer.

in advance help.

hi there , welcome forums! based on you've said i'd agree raid 1 way go on 5 or 10 - have 2 drives in array , data protection more important data quantity? i'll explain other aspects of data protection later.

in terms of raid, raid should configured before installation, or suring software raid. i'd go out on limb here didn't ask, i'd not recommend installing ubuntu 11.10 in business/research environment, personal recommendation debian squeeze. documentation lot more detailed , os designed stability , reliability on "the latest thing."

of course i'd recommend hardware raid if institution pay ($200+), i'm guessing that's been ruled out, i'd have through debian documentation setting software raid on install. if you're not feeling comfortable, i'd spend $40 on ubuntu calls "fake raid" - these pci(e) cards , easy set in experience - advantage once they're set up, can install using default partitioning settings if like, have @ debians installation documentation , see think - can post here it.

said @ start, raid isn't way protect data. 1 thing remember- raid protects against hardware failure - don't want weekly backup, concidering research unwise - should have copy of data not connected machine - ideally in different location altogether protect things theft , fire.

if can afford 2 drives, data safer using 1 of them separate backup drive, stored somewhere else being used raid drive, after drives can go without warning, balance tips @ 3 drives.

isn't hard drive failure, fire , theft need worry there's, err... human error - downloading malware, deleting files, formatting wrong partition etc - can cause loss of data, , in raid1 1 other

things think about.

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