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Asked: 2024-09-25T19:20:15+05:30 In:

How can I implement RAID on my current Ubuntu desktop setup without losing my existing data?

I’ve been thinking about improving my current Ubuntu desktop setup, and I keep stumbling upon the idea of implementing RAID for redundancy and performance boost. The only catch? I’ve got a decent amount of data already on my current drives that I’m not ready to lose. I’ve done a bit of research, but the more I read, the more confused I get.

So here’s the situation: I have a couple of 1TB drives right now. One of them is mostly full of photos, documents, and some work-related files, while the other one is used more for movies and various downloads. I want to set up RAID 1, or maybe RAID 0, to either mirror my data or strip it for speed—if that’s even a viable option without wiping everything first.

I’ve read that with RAID 1, I’ll get better security because my data will be duplicated, which is exactly what I’m after, but I’m worried about how to go about it without losing my existing files. I definitely can’t afford to have a single error wipe out my collection of family photos or important work documents. At the same time, the thought of having faster read/write speeds with RAID 0 is really tempting.

I’ve considered backing everything up to an external drive, but that adds another layer of complexity and potential headaches. Is there a way to set up RAID while keeping my data intact? I did read something about using “mdadm” for RAID management and partitioning tools, but I’m not sure if that means I need to create unallocated space on my drives before I start.

I’d love to hear from anyone who’s been through this. How did you implement RAID on your Ubuntu setup? What steps did you take, and were there any surprises along the way? Any tips for a first-timer? Would love your advice on how to best approach this if I want to keep my existing data safe and sound!

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    2 Answers



    1. Advice on Implementing RAID in Ubuntu

      Implementing RAID on Ubuntu: Keeping Your Data Safe

      Setting up RAID can seem a bit daunting, especially when you have existing data you want to keep safe! Most folks recommend RAID 1 for redundancy since it mirrors your data across drives, which means if one fails, your data is still safe on the other. However, RAID 0 can be tempting for speed, but it doesn’t provide any redundancy—if one drive fails, you lose everything!

      Backing Up Your Data

      First things first, it’s a great idea to back up your data before making any changes. Yes, it adds some complexity, but it’s worth it for peace of mind. You can use an external hard drive or even cloud storage. Make sure all your important family photos and work files are backed up!

      Using mdadm for RAID

      Once you’ve got your data safely backed up, you can dive into using mdadm for setting up RAID. Here’s a simple approach:

      • Install mdadm if you haven’t already:
        • sudo apt-get install mdadm
      • Create your RAID array. For RAID 1, you’d typically run something like:
        • sudo mdadm --create --verbose /dev/md0 --level=1 --raid-devices=2 /dev/sda /dev/sdb
      • But remember, this command will wipe existing data on those drives. That’s why having that backup is crucial!

      Creating Unallocated Space

      If you really want to keep your existing data intact, consider creating unallocated space on one of your drives and then adding that to the RAID setup. This means you may need to resize existing partitions, which can add complexity but will help you keep your data safe.

      Consider Using LVM with RAID

      Another option is to use Logical Volume Management (LVM) with your RAID setup. It allows you more flexibility, including resizing and managing partitions without losing data. It can be a bit complex but definitely worth exploring!

      Final Tips

      • Read a lot: The more you know, the less scary it’ll be!
      • Test with some dummy data if possible, before making actual changes.
      • Join forums or communities on Ubuntu; they can provide real-life insights and help.

      Remember to proceed with caution and keep that backup close—your data safety is way more important than speed!







    2. RAID Setup on Ubuntu

      Implementing RAID on your existing Ubuntu setup while retaining your current data can be a challenging yet rewarding endeavor. For your case, RAID 1 would provide redundancy, ensuring that if one drive fails, your data remains safely mirrored on the other. However, conventional RAID configurations typically require a complete wipe of the drives involved. To mitigate the risk of data loss, your safest approach is to back up your important files onto an external drive, which allows you to create a new RAID array without fearing data loss. Once your data is securely backed up, you can use the `mdadm` tool to set up your RAID configuration. This will require you to create the RAID array using unallocated space, which is generally achieved through partitioning the drives accordingly, followed by formatting the new RAID volume.

      If you’re still interested in creating a RAID setup without migrating your data off existing drives, you can consider using a specialized method, such as RAID with LVM (Logical Volume Management), which might offer some flexibility, although it’s more intricate. Be cautious with how you manage your partitions and always ensure you have backups, as any mistakes could lead to permanent data loss. When implementing RAID for the first time, expect a learning curve, especially regarding partitioning and formatting. Consult the official documentation for `mdadm` on Ubuntu for step-by-step instructions, and consider reaching out to community forums where experienced users can share their encounters. Be patient and double-check each step as you transition toward a more robust storage solution.


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