Raid 1 v. 2 HD using a back-up program?

[delvryboy]

Let's say using Vista's back-up utility. I know it would be the simple to just swap a bad drive out of the raid and then replace it with a new one. What I am wondering is if it is worth the advantage over just backing up files to a second hdd.

 

[Firefox90]

I have a server running with 2x500gb drives. I am a bit cautious to move to RAID. I am currently running Win XP. I have been using Syncback SE nightly for a few months and it tends to get thrown off by some goofy file extensions. I just started trying Microsoft's Synctoy 2.0b program. Much simpler in design so I am interested to see how it works out. Anyways, if you do go the simple route like I did, just know there are some handy utilities to do so.

I am not at all saying this is the best way. I am sure once I expand my storage, I will move to RAID. I am just nervous with these stories of lost arrays and what not. I am much less intimidated by a simple "copy and paste" method.

If someone could quell my fears, I would be very happy.

 

[Concentric]

Let's say using Vista's back-up utility. I know it would be the simple to just swap a bad drive out of the raid and then replace it with a new one. What I am wondering is if it is worth the advantage over just backing up files to a second hdd.

Those are solutions to different problems - you don't setup a RAID array to make a backup; they're not the same.
If you get a virus for example, with the RAID array all the drives will be infected, whereas a backup copy will be clean. Similarly, if the chipset screws up the array, or the PSU kills both drives, or the computer is sunk in a flood or whatever, the RAID array won't save you.

I would suggest doing the backup option and keeping the other drive elsewhere. If in addition you wanted to increase uptime in the case of a drive failure (which is what RAID is for), then do the RAID 1 by buying a third drive.