Raid 1

RAID 1 – if it sounds like Greek to you, you’re not alone. Despite the fact that RAID actually plays an integral role in your computer performance and the security of the files, most people have no idea what it is. However, it pays to take a little time to understanding RAID and how it applies to your computer, especially if you have a lot of important data on drive that you need to keep secure. When you understand RAID, you understand how to increase the storage on your computer hard drive, thereby increasing the functionality of your computer. Most importantly, however, RAID and how it relates to your data recovery system is absolutely crucial to understand. If your computer ever has a meltdown, you could have to dig deep within your RAID to find your files.

What Is RAID?
RAID stands for Redundant Array of Inexpensive Drives. Your hard drive is actually not a single component but is instead made up of individual layers of mini drives, which in turn make up your RAID. How much RAID you have indicates how much margin for error your drive has, or how much back up your computer has internally. If you have a high RAID number, your files are relatively easy to retrieve in the event of a problem. Lower RAID numbers mean less security for your system.

RAID 1
There are six levels to RAID, starting with RAID 0, which makes RAID 1 the next to lowest number on the scale. The way the computer manufacturers express this meaning that RAID 1 gives you “one level” of protection in the case of a system compromise. If one disk in your hard drive fails, there is still another drive there that can make the computer function. RAID 1 hardware keeps a back up of your files that you can retrieve in the case of a system failure.

Installing RAID 1
Even if you don’t have RAID 1 on your computer, you can install it yourself, either as an upgrade from your RAID 0 system, or to increase the capacity of an already existing drive. To do so, will need to find the right RAID 1 software for your system. For instance, you can if you Windows XP Pro, then you need RAID 1 software for Windows XP Pro or RAID 1 for Windows. RAID 1 performance may help improve the working of a sluggish system.