[BenderBends]

im looking to improve my home media center....but don't know too much in this realm.

i have an intel imac that i use for home computer / media center
its connected to my Philips 37" LCD TV via DVI to HDMI
I also have 1 500GB external drive connected via FW400
And 1 250GB external drive connected to the 500GB drive via FW800.

I need to get another drive for more room....and have a few questions:

1. Is it possible to do a RAID-1 setup with external harddrives? i was readin about it and it sounds the best way to make my files secure so if 1 drive fails...i dont lose everything.

2. Other than RAID-1...is there another way to secure my files dont get lost?

3. Is there a good (and CHEAP) PC media center [or linux, etc] that will be able to play my movies and HD files? Also i twould need to work with the RAID-1 setup...or whatever i migrate to.

[TaLL|dUdE]

1. yes it's possible to do raid 1 on external hdd's but you need to get a dedicated external case for it. you can't use your existing one's.

2. I suggest Raid 5 instead of Raid 1... but if moolah is the limiting factor, then Raid 1 it is then.

3. Good and cheap? well there's MS Media Center 2005 or Windows Vista Home Premium. So far I haven't heard of a similar one on a Linux Platform.

[BenderBends]

i mean an actual media center...not the app
also, any recommendations on the Raid setup? what would i need besides the imac?