[ Thanks to Raul
for this link. ]
“RAID is defined as a “Redundant Array of Inexpensive
Disks.” Simply put, it is the process of combining two or more
partitions to create a single logical device. This logical device
will then be used in place of the combined partitions. While
RAID can be used in many different configurations, known as
“modes”, we will be covering only the most popular configurations
in this article.”
“RAID 0 (striping)
… Two or more partitions are combined to form one logical unit,
which will then be the sum of its physical partitions. Data written
to the logical unit will be dispersed among the physical
partitions.”
“RAID 1 (mirroring)
… Two or more equally sized partitions are combined into one
logical device. Data is written to all of the partitions
simultaneously, and read from the partitions in parallel. Each
partition is a duplicate, or “mirror,” of the others.”
“RAID 5 (striping with parity)
… Several equally sized partitions are combined to form one
logical device. Data and parity information is dispersed among the
available partitions. Parity data is divided equally among the
partitions. Should one of the partitions be come unusable, the
missing data will be reconstructed from the remaining
partitions.”