Build two arrays. Sync the data with btsync... before you separate them. Once the original data set is synced then move one of the arrays to a trusted friend's house. Additionally, use find, or similar tool to keep a document of all the files you have and store that on DropBox or similar service. You now have two equally robust copies at separate locations, and a document of what you have in a third location in case you need to rebuild again. Also, reread the previous post about compressing your collection, you have 20tb of stuff, but do you really have 20tb of value?

-=Skip

and build to that goal. that's how I learned Basic programming. I am still amazed at how much I use what I learned from basic today. As fathers have from time immemorial, teach what you know. Unix Shell Programming is a good starting point.

Backblaze, an online storage company has posted the specs for their rack mounted box. http://techcrunch.com/2011/07/20/backblaze-presents-their-bare-bones-7348-135tb-storage-pod-for-backup-on-the-cheap/

talking to myself, oops, someone beat me to this answer. see above.

ship the boxed hard drives to Iron Mountain. Problem solved. The monthly bill will serve as a reminder.

remove drive, put old drive in new drive box. install new drive in machine.

archive old drive, and send out system with blank drive.

You want the book, "Science Made Stupid" http://www.amazon.com/Science-Made-Stupid-Tom-Weller/dp/0395366461

Linux is a kernel, not an operating systems. Tack on GNU and you have some pretty good functionality. Add X or xorg and you get pretty pictures. Rip the fabric off your couch and you find a great deal of comfort has been sacrificed for functionality. You can also find $2.73 in loose change and some old peanuts. Ubuntu isn't Linux, it's the pretty fabric stretched across a framework of functionality. -Skip