[plug] Config new h/w for RAID XP and Linux

[Paul Loring]

I am very new to this.

I am right this moment figuring out how to set up  my new system so that I can 
subsequently include Linux.

I have an Asus P5GD2 Deluxe motherboard which includes Intel ICH6R Southbridge 
for enabling RAID. The standard O/S supported are Win 2000/XP. I am currently 
needing to determine how to setup the volumes etc to enable me to load Win XP 
Pro, so that I can migrate my existing systems and data, but additionally I 
need your advice to ensure that I future proof this configuration so that I can 
load Linux. 3yrs ago I didn't do that with my old system and hence found the 
work prohibitively difficult and hence abandoned it.

I have 2 x 160GB SATA drives.

I intend to use a combination of RAID 0 and 1, what Intel calls Matrix Raid, 
part of its Intel Application Accelerator(IAA).

So the first question is can I run Win XP initially and subsequently load 
Liunix so that it benefits from RAID and can access existing data?

The next questions then concern the most suitable configuration of:
What should go in RAID 0 vs 1? Their overall size, block size(8 - 128KB).
Sub dividing them to enable Linux and WinXP to co-exist, ie RAID Volumes and 
sets.

I am finding it difficult to get good criteria for choosing what should go in 
the striped and mirrored section. 
Clearly zipped downloads, photos, MS Office type files, etc will go in RAID 1. 
I'm uncertain where O/S should go in 0 or 1? 
Work file or scratch space is obviously in 0, but how to size that and organise 
it, whether Linux and Win XP would be able to share isn't clear, eg, separate 
Volume/sets? 
Do the Games (I have a couple a Rally Games) and Photoshop type applications 
need to go in 0, or is it only the workspace they use that goes there?
I am intending to subsequestly use my PC as a digital video recorder, over the 
home network?

Hope you can help either directly or with links to some readable info.