Re: RAID Version & Backup advice please

With that number of users, I'd keep it simple.

Three disk raid 5 array, with a hotspare. (4 disk total).
Your Raid 5 VD configured as follows:

System - c:\ - 20 gb.
Data - d:\ - the balance of the free space (you didn't specify your disk size).

Boot from CD 1, create your system partition 20 gb, and install windows server.
Cancel SBS setup after the last restart, and create your d:\ partition, moving the DVD drive letter to Y (or something).
Continue SBS setup, installing all programs on c:\ and all data on d:\

"data" includes, but might not be limited to:
Monitoring Database
Sharepoint Database
WSUS Database
Exchange Data
Users Shared Folders
Optionally - the client applications folder.

Then run the tasks on the TODO list - when you get to backup you might consider excluding your WSUS content folder from the backup, as that can easily be rebuilt (if you don't have a metered internet connection).

If you're not sure about the above, it's OK to just install everything to c:\, and then move it later using instructions in the white paper, but it's less work if you do it at installation time. For first time installs though, it takes a bit of practice (familiarity) to be comfortable setting up the data folders on the fly. So if it doesn't turn out just the way you like, don't hesitate to zap everything and start the installation over - it's great experience and a good use of your time.

An image (Paragon), preferably taken off-line (boot from the recovery CD) is also a good investment. It's not really a backup in the traditional sense, but allows you to get your server back to a point in time very quickly from bare metal. A dedicated USB drive to keep this safe is a good investment.

Backup should be done with the included SBS Backup, many are now using USB drives for this purpose. Burning DVDs is OK, but DVD media isn't going to hold your SBS on a single disk. So it's a PITA.

Others may have things to add, I've gotta run.

Good luck.

--
Les Connor [SBS MVP]


"A" <sadfgk@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx> wrote in message news:JMSdnRFjusyea0LYRVnygAA@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Les

Only 5 users max to start.
Anti-virus, a SQL package + usual SBS 2k3
Difficult to predict - max 10 total?
Dual xeon, 4gb

Open to suggestions re the backup - idea was to have dual-layer ie (1) just locally whether on server, NAS or workstation but some sort of drive image, for ease of restore; and then (2) take DVD copies off-site (probably only weekly) to cover a total loss situation.

Thanks

"Les Connor [SBS MVP]" <les.connor@xxxxxxxxxxxx> wrote in message news:7FB7F9CB-FB09-470C-9AD6-1671900E06F5@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Hi A,

How many workstations will connect to the server?
What non-included applications (if any) will you run on the SBS?
What kind of growth in workstations/users do you see in the next 2-3 years.
What processors and how much RAM is in the box?

Paragon isn't your only choice, but there's nothing wrong with it.

Burning DVDs on the server itself isn't a great idea, but you can copy the files to a workstation and burn them there.

Burning DVDs is a PITA ;-). But you can go that route, if it gets tiresome then you can look at other options.

--
Les Connor [SBS MVP]


"A" <noone@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx> wrote in message news:4rudnRPuv7s3bEPYnZ2dnUVZ8qugnZ2d@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Need some quick pointers please!
New 2003 R2 server - SAS discs on a RAID dual channel card but have the option from HP of either using 3 discs in Raid 5 array or 4 in a Raid 6 Array - any views on speed, reliability, justifiability, etc (I am aware it costs one extra disc!) We were thinking of just one Raid array with partitions on it, rather than separate arrays to avoid the disc numbers going out of control although there is space for 8 to start with.
Also, for backup, as well as burning DVD's of data to offsite, I have looked at Paragon DriveBackup Small Business server edition - it appears to provide a drive image as well as incremental which seemed a good idea in case needed to restore completely. Any views on this product (or others) and whether to use it to a "spare" SAS or SATA disc in the server, or onto NAS etc?, its purpose would be to deal with major software corruption or raid failure as opposed to theft/loss of the server which the off-site DVD's cover.
Thanks





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