Chapter 7: Installing the Driver and an Operating System 60

Before You Begin

Install and connect your Adaptec RAID controller and internal disk drives (see page 46).

Create a bootable array (see page 54).

Create a driver disk (see the following section).

Note: Not all operating systems are supported on all controllers. For up-to-date operating system version support, visit the Adaptec Web Site at www.adaptec.com. From the main menu select Support>Knowledgebase>Find Answers. Select your controller type and OS to generate a list of supported operating systems and to download the latest drivers.

Creating a Driver Disk

This section describes how to create a driver disk for most supported operating systems. You will need a floppy disk, USB flash drive, or writable CD to complete this task.

Note: Some operating systems do not require a separate driver disk, including Windows Vista, Windows Server 2008, and Windows 7; with these OSs, the driver is loaded right from the Adaptec Installation DVD. For other operating systems, including VMware, Debian Linux, and Ubuntu Linux, you must create the driver disk manually. Since the driver image is too large to fit on a floppy disk, you must use a USB flash drive (“USB stick”) or a writable CD. For details, see the instructions for your operating system, as described below.

To create a driver disk:

1Set your system BIOS so that your computer boots from the DVD drive.

2Turn on your computer, then insert the Adaptec Installation DVD included in your RAID controller kit.

3Click Create Diskette, then select your operating system and version.

4When prompted, insert a floppy disk, then click OK. The system creates the driver disk.

5Remove and label the driver disk.

Continue with the instructions for your operating system:

For Windows, see page 61.

For Red Hat Linux 5, see page 62.

For Red Hat Linux 6 or Fedora Linux, see page 62.

For SuSE Linux, see page 63.

For Debian Linux, see page 63.

For Ubuntu Linux, see page 65.

For Solaris, see page 67.

For VMware ESX 4, see page 67.

For VMware ESXi 5, see page 68.

For FreeBSD, see page 71.

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Adaptec 2268300R manual Before You Begin, Creating a Driver Disk

2268300R specifications

The Adaptec 2268300R is a robust and versatile RAID controller designed for enterprise-level storage needs. Ideal for environments demanding high availability, performance, and data protection, this controller provides organizations with the ability to manage large volumes of data while ensuring reliability.

One of the standout features of the Adaptec 2268300R is its support for various RAID levels, including RAID 0, 1, 5, 6, 10, 50, and 60. This flexibility allows users to choose the configuration that best suits their performance and redundancy requirements. By combining multiple drives into a single logical unit, the controller enhances data throughput and ensures data safety through redundancy.

The controller is built on a SATA and SAS architecture, allowing it to connect directly to both SATA and SAS drives. This broad compatibility is crucial for businesses looking to leverage existing hardware while also scaling their storage infrastructure. The Adaptec 2268300R is equipped with a powerful onboard processor that significantly boosts performance, driving down latency and increasing transaction speeds across connected drives.

Additionally, the Adaptec 2268300R features cache memory with a non-volatile option that enhances data integrity during unexpected power outages. This feature is essential for mission-critical applications where data loss can have severe repercussions. Moreover, the controller supports advanced caching algorithms, optimizing write and read performance to meet the demands of modern applications.

The controller also integrates seamlessly with Adaptec's management suite, providing users with a graphical interface to monitor and manage their storage solutions effectively. The web-based management tool allows administrators to configure RAID settings, monitor disk health, and perform troubleshooting, all from a centralized platform.

Security is another critical aspect of the Adaptec 2268300R. The controller comes equipped with encryption capabilities, enabling users to secure sensitive data at rest—protecting information from unauthorized access. Furthermore, with features like hot-spare drive support and automatic rebuilds, the controller assures continued operation even in the event of a disk failure.

In conclusion, the Adaptec 2268300R is a powerful RAID controller that delivers significant advantages in performance, flexibility, and reliability. With its support for multiple RAID levels, SAS and SATA compatibility, robust caching, and advanced management tools, it stands out as an ideal solution for businesses needing to safeguard and manage their vast data assets efficiently. Whether for enhancing data security or optimizing storage performance, the Adaptec 2268300R remains a sound choice in today’s data-driven landscape.