"The Linux software RAID code has been updated for the 2.4
kernel series and has been "backported" to the 2.2 kernel series in
patch form. The new RAID code provides several benefits:
Increased performance.
Increased stability.
More uniform and well-documented configuration through
/etc/raidtab.
Automatic RAID volume recognition without the need for
scripts."
"In order to use the new RAID system, you'll need first to get the
latest release of the RAID tools. You'll also need to compile RAID
support into your kernel. For 2.4 kernels, enable the following:
CONFIG_MD=yes
CONFIG_BLK_DEV_MD=yes
CONFIG_MD_RAID0=yes (for striping)
CONFIG_MD_RAID1=yes (for mirroring)
CONFIG_MD_RAID5=yes (for striping with distributed parity)
CONFIG_MD_BOOT=yes
CONFIG_AUTODETECT_RAID=yes
For 2.2 kernels, you'll net to get the RAID patch which matches
your kernel and apply it. Most patches can be found in the RAID
tools directory, but for the most recent 2.2 kernels, you may also
want to check Ingo Molnar's RAID patches directory."