Can I Create My Own Arch Wiki Section

Carlwill · 2010-01-14 14:09:42

I have been trying to get Software RAID working on Arch 2009.08 Linux for 3 months now. I completely am aware of the Wiki that already exist however I am 100% convinced the information on Wiki does not work. I have discussed this in detail on the forums and also the Arch mailing list. Thankfully members of the list have explained how the Arch installer is bugged (Yes, I created a bug report) & shown me the work around which is completely the oppisite method described in the current Wiki. My question is it possible for me to compose my own Wiki tutorial page for others to show how I configure a fresh Arch install in RAID1 or RAID5?

The current Wiki page in my opinion attempts to do too much. It covers LVM and Software RAID in the same guide. And while you can skip this, the Wiki makes no mention of adding the 'md_mod' & 'raid1/5' modules in rc.conf. The main reason the entire Wiki fails to provide the user with a successful working RAID system is when you're creating your RAID array via the installer shell, it then advises you to run the following command:

mdadm -D --scan >> /etc/mdadm.conf

That command is wrong for starters and it MUST be ran during a specific section of the install process or the mkinitcpio.conf will over ride it when it's generated.

The correct command is:

mdadm -D --scan >> /mnt/etc/mdadm.conf

And you must run this command after you run /arch/setup and specifically between "Install Packages" & "Configure System". Right after you have installed your packages from CD or HTTP, you need to switch to TTY2 and login as 'Root'. Then run the correct command listed above. After that you can switch back to TTY1 (The installer menu) and continue with "Configure System". That is all. Can a regular Arch Linux user compose his own Wiki documentation of how he got something like this to work or must it be done by someone else?

Misfit138 · 2010-01-14 14:18:05

Go for it.

tlaloc · 2010-01-14 14:24:01

Sure, it is a wiki. Just name it slightly differently and create your own version.

pointone · 2010-01-14 14:26:31

Any user can register and create or edit wiki articles (and, in fact, is encouraged to do so).

It appears someone has already updated the Installing with Software RAID or LVM article with the change you mentioned. I disagree that the article covers too much; it provides a thorough introduction to both RAID and LVM, but the article deals primarily with RAID configuration and directs users to the more appropriate LVM article where necessary.

I would recommend you consider improving the existing resources rather than creating new ones and duplicating effort. If you believe the current article is beyond salvation, though, please feel free to contribute a better one.

Carlwill · 2010-01-14 14:39:08

pointone wrote:

I would recommend you consider improving the existing resources rather than creating new ones and duplicating effort. If you believe the current article is beyond salvation, though, please feel free to contribute a better one.

This is tough because I guess it all comes down to how you plan to design your RAID array. The theory is there and appears to be good but the fact is the current page is missing key elements! I would love to edit and adjust the current one but then I have been told the current page worked for some. I have no idea how because I have officially memorized that Wiki from so many failed attempts on several hardware. I think the main problem is that the current Wiki is instructing users to add their /boot (MBR) as a part of the RAID array. This is a disaster when you understand how the Arch installer works. My design is much more simplistic.

I will for now adjust the current one and if users of the Wiki don't like my alterations, they can simply change it back or adjust it themselves...I guess that is the beautify of Wiki.

Thanks for your support!

Last edited by Carlwill (2010-01-14 14:40:55)

Misfit138 · 2010-01-14 16:00:54

There have been a few duplicate articles in the wiki that peacefully co-exist, like the kernel compilation pages. Personally, I see no problem with contributing an 'alternative raid' article, if it would work better than including the alternatives on the same page as the existing one. Just ensure that your addition is an actual wiki improvement.
If it works, it will be embraced, if not, I'm sure you'll hear about it. If it is abysmal, the worst case scenario is deletion.
There's always a solution.

Carlwill · 2010-01-14 16:07:07

Thanks!

Arch Linux

#1 2010-01-14 14:09:42

Can I Create My Own Arch Wiki Section

#2 2010-01-14 14:18:05

Re: Can I Create My Own Arch Wiki Section

#3 2010-01-14 14:24:01

Re: Can I Create My Own Arch Wiki Section

#4 2010-01-14 14:26:31

Re: Can I Create My Own Arch Wiki Section

#5 2010-01-14 14:39:08

Re: Can I Create My Own Arch Wiki Section

#6 2010-01-14 16:00:54

Re: Can I Create My Own Arch Wiki Section

#7 2010-01-14 16:07:07

Re: Can I Create My Own Arch Wiki Section

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