What does RAID stand for in computing?

RAID stands for Redundant Array of Independent Disks. This term is crucial in computing as it refers to a data storage virtualization technology that combines multiple physical disk drive components into one logical unit. The primary purpose of using RAID is to enhance data redundancy and performance, ensuring that data remains accessible even in the event of a hardware failure. By utilizing multiple independent disks, RAID configurations can distribute data across the drives, which not only improves read and write speeds but also provides various levels of fault tolerance depending on the specific RAID level being implemented. This concept is especially important for server environments, data centers, and environments where data integrity and uptime are critical.