[ale] What file system for a software RAID array ?

[Danny Cox]

Greg & Matty,

On Sat, 2003-07-19 at 17:46, Matty wrote:
> On Sat, 2003-07-19 at 16:45, Greg wrote:
> > 	I am currently installing 3 Maxtor 200GB HD's on a RH 7.3 2.96-113 box
> > using the 2.4.20-18.7 kernel (w/an AMD 700MHz processor) and I want to use a
> > software RAID 5 array.  I have heard that there are some problems with the
> > ext3 fs and I was wondering if there is anyone who has any knowledge or
> > experience on whether I should use the ext2 fs or the ext3 fs. I understand
> > the benefits of journaling, but since this is a simple file server for my
> > family, I would rather have a rock solid system then a fast system.  I will
> > also be using the RAID array with Samba.
> > 
> 
> The ext3 file system is getting mature, and has been out for
> some time. There were a couple issues with the journaling 
> implementation, but those have been fixed. If you are looking
> for something easy to setup, ext3 is your friend. If you want
> something that provides journaling and extent based allocation,
> take a look at XFS and JFS.

	Just to add a lttle about XFS: I've been using it since November 2000,
and it's had it's growing pains.  At first it didn't play well with RAID
5, 'cause it writes it's data in 4K chunks (like all the rest under
Linux), but 512 byte chunks for the journal.  This caused the RAID 5
driver to flush out it's cache switch it's buffer size, flush again, and
resume the 4K size.  Needless to say, it gummed up the works.

	About 1.5 years ago, Steve Lord introduced a log version 2.  It writes
in 4K chunks as well, and it and RAID 5 play well together now.  I'm
been very pleased with it.  It's also the FS used in the Snap Appliance
boxes currently selling now.

-- 
kernel, n.: A part of an operating system that preserves the
medieval traditions of sorcery and black art.

Danny

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