Redundant Array Independent Disks (read as RAIDS) is a mode of storage of mass data in different hard disks, within computing technology. This mode is preferred because data is spread across multiple disks and as such reading and writing is made exceptionally easier and accessible. Since multiple disks are always in use simultaneously, accessing the hard drive is faster and as such saves on time and performance. RAIDS perform its functions on the premise of ‘striping.’ This is understood to mean that the huge data stored is split up in small disks. Each disk holds up to some certain amount of data and makes the same available upon request by the user (Habraken, 2003 ).

The major advantage thus, of using RAIDS solutions is the availability of data across the board. Another advantage is the improved performance through the use of redundant discs. When using RAID one (also known as mirroring), the user is always assured that the data stored cannot be lost. This is because this RAID level uses two discs to store the same and equal data. When one disc fails, data is securely saved on the mirror disc. It is, therefore, notable that any level of RAIDS checks the possibility of a disc to crash thereby correcting the situation by ensuring protection and security of the data stored (Habraken, 2003). A major disadvantage regarding the RAID drive is that there needs to be written the drivers for a Network Operating System (NOS). Another disadvantage is that the discs are very expensive to purchase and to maintain. It is also very difficult and complex to configure RAIDS after it is configured for a special purpose. In an attempt to configure, the broadband may be altered, and data lost. The overall idea is that it is very expensive to alter the RAIDS environment. Another negative aspect is that the system must be supportive of the RAID drives that are available. If the system fails to match the RAIDS already available, for example, RAID 0, RAID 1 or RAID 5, then the operating system may not perform as desired. Lack of the correct matching RAID drive will always raise the issue of lack of availability.

It must be understood from the outset that, in terms of write-insensitivity, RAID level one exhibits better performance than RAIDS level 5. Both the levels increase the data availability with time. However, when the data availability hits very huge amounts, the rate of performance becomes slow. The throughput of level 1 is better always compared to level 5, when viewed through the write-operations. In terms of hardware disc space, level 5 requires lower disc space compared to RAIDS level 1. This places RAIDS level 5 at lower hardware cost than RAIDS level 1. On the same vein, RAIDS level 5volumes require multiple I/O operations to calculate and store parity. On the other hand, RAIDS level 1 may operate its processes through both the I/O and CPU. This places the RAIDS level 1 at a lower through put, meaning that the wait time is less compared to the RAIDS level 5. RAID 5 uses striping with distributed parity. All the data is written on all the blocks available, unlike in RAID 1 (Little & Farmer, 2007).

From the above submission thus, RAID 1 is characterized by the use of two discs. This level is also known as mirroring (Hoboken, 2012). If the user requires the exact data in case one of the discs spoils, then this is the preferred level. The single disc that remains in use attains the same throughput and efficiency as the when they operate when they are both. This level is also known to withstand very high tolerance in terms of data storage. RAID 5 on the other hand is characterized by several discs arranged in parallel. This level is efficient for both written and read data (Little & Farmer, 2007). This level is a combination of two RAIDS, namely RAID 1 and RAID 0. This level can be used for dedicated file and application server. The read rate is rated as high while the read rate is rated as medium. The minimum requirement is three discs.