I want to set up 3 pairs of RAID1 arrays to use as
1-webserver, 2 fileserver and 3backup.Is this even possible and how do I configure it?
This is possible, and if you want to keep things really separated (e.g. no files uploaded to the array with webserver data) it will work. But:
- RAID is not backup. Repeat this mantra a few times.
If lightning strikes, a PSU dies and takes out the system, if a thief lugs the server home, if .... then you loose primary data and backup. Good advice is not to store the backup on the manin system as primary data. - Three arrays are really not needed. One if enough. Just put the contents in different folders and assign quota's if needed.
- Three mirrors is rather wasteful. I would consider RAID10 (with 4 drives).
I see 3 drives when I check the files systems in Ubuntu
That seems normal. You have three arrays (each considting of two drives, which the RAID controller hides from you).
I had to add the gnome GUI to check things out because the command line was too difficult. Once I am configured I will disable the GUI.
Meh. For a home system and testing a GUI is not all that bad. It is more software, more to keep up to date, more which can fail. And if you rolled out a 100 servers then I would suggest to learn the CLI. But for a single learning home system. Use the GUI and learn how things work.