[TriLUG] usb boot a storage server

[Jason Tower]

i just ordered an inexpensive 1u server w/ 4x sata slots to be used as a 
backup storage server.  assuming it will boot from a usb device i'd like to 
set it up to boot linux via a smallish thumb drive, then create a four disk 
software raid device, mount it as /archive, and make it available via samba, 
nfs, and sshfs.

has anyone ever done a setup like this before, or have a suggestion for 
setting up the usb OS?

jason