Also, "unRAID" from LimeTech allows you to build a parity protected server from left-over disks. I have built two, now multi-Terabyte servers, for throwing all

Also, "unRAID" from LimeTech allows you to build a parity protected server from left-over disks. I have built two, now multi-Terabyte servers, for throwing all sorts of material onto, and been through two disk burnouts where the parity did in fact fully protect the data. I used 256MB and 1TB drives initially, but slowly cycle up as I need more space (you can add up to 20 disks on the "Pro" version (something like $59), but due to space in my enclosure I have stuck to 4 + 1 for parity). Currently I have a mix of 8, 4, 2, 1TB. Disks don't spin if not used... _very_ nice.