Linux is capable of setting up software RAID Linear, 0, 1, 4, or 5 arrays via the mdadm command. Doing this requires two or more similar size Linux raid autodetect partitions to be worthwhile (technically you can use the mdadm command on a single partition, but it wouldn't be much of an array then).

I would recommend using drives that are all the same size and giving them each a single partition unless you just wish to use the Linear function of mdadm. If you are ready for a more complicated arrangement, you probably don't need this section of the guide anyway.

When you are at the prompt again, simply type w and hit enter to save your changes. Repeat this process for each additional drive you wish to include in your raid. You may want to reboot after you've finished partitioning all your drives to make sure the kernel has acknowledged all the changes and doesn't cause any trouble in the next step.

=Creating Your Array=