RAID is a method of spreading data between hard disks. In most RAID types, pieces of one file are scattered onto different disks. This provides a major speed boost and also provides protection against disk failure. Conversely, JBOD, which stands for "Just a Bunch Of Disks", is how most people store data. JBOD means that your data is on single, stand-alone hard drives. If a one of your JBOD disks fails, the data on that disk is probably lost.

Both RAID and JBOD have their place. Each can be successfully implemented into your data storage and backup strategies.

It's important to know that all the hard drives in a RAID set will be seen as one single disk volume by your computer system.

JBOD drives are individual drives, meaning that each drive in your system is seen by your computer as an individual disk volume. JBOD drives allow you to easily add additional storage to your system - just connect another drive - and allows for easy to manage, and less expensive backup solutions.

Follow the links below to learn more about RAID and JBOD.

Understanding RAID Consider using a RAID for additional speed, or to offer protection from disk failure.

Understanding JBOD Consider using JBOD for backing up files from your main computer hard drive to another