How do I combine several small HDDs to make one large HDD?

[m654321]

This statement appears towards the end of the document  "Option Three - RAID Array" which you quoted.

"Cons: Unfortunately, RAID has a few downsides too. To start, higher levels of RAID can be expensive, since you need quite a few drives to pull it off. They'd also have to be the same size and speed, or you'd have to sacrifice some of their size and speed. That is, in a RAID array, you're stuck using the smallest disk's capacity for each drive, and the slowest disk's speed for each drive. As such, it isn't ideal if you have a bunch of disks lying around and you're trying to save some money. But, if your data is important, it can help keep that data safe, too. RAID 0's biggest downside is not only the lack of redundancy, but the fact that if you lose one drive, you lose all your data—with little to no hope of recovering it."

Not worth considering IMHO - just convert the drives to USB and connect as required. I'm sure you don't need
multi terrabytes of data all at once. Easier to backup too. 

Many thanks for your common sense overview.  I think with all that has been said here on this thread, I'm fast coming to the conclusion it might be simpler, easier & more secure just to buy & use a single larger USB drive for all my video data which is now around 3TB. I have a 4TB USB Expansion Portable Drive (3.6TB formatted drivespace), which I have been very pleased with. A 5TB one has come out, but I might sit tight until an 8TB one comes out, though I think I might be waiting for a while ...

Thanks everybody for your interest in this thread and for the interesting & useful info & links supplied.

Mike