NEW Windows 95/95A Installation | Black Box SCSI-2 LVD instruction

CHAPTER 5: Driver Installation

5.2.1NEW WINDOWS 95/95A INSTALLATION

These instructions (beginning on the next page) will guide you through the installation of the Ultra2 LVD SCSI Host Adapter’s Windows 95 driver while installing Windows 95 or 95a itself. Windows 95/95a will be installed from either a CD-ROM or floppy diskettes. It is important that the hardware and DOS 4.01 or higher have been installed successfully before proceeding further. If you are installing from a SCSI CD-ROM drive, it is important that the Adapter’s ASPI driver and CD-ROM driver be installed (see Section 5.1) before proceeding further.

1A. If you’re installing from CD-ROM:Access the Windows 95/95a CD-ROM either from the DOS prompt or from the Microsoft Windows 3.x File Manager. Execute the SETUP.EXE program and follow the instructions on your screen.

1B. If you’re installing from floppy diskette: Put Windows 95/95a Setup Disk 1 in your floppy-disk drive and boot your system. Follow the instructions on your screen.

2.Once a Windows 95 session is established, start from the desktop and use your installed mouse or the appropriate keystrokes to select these items one after the other (each item contains the next in sequence): “My Computer,” “Control Panel,” “System,” “Device Manager” tab, “Other Devices” category, “PCI-SCSI Bus Controller” subcategory.

3.In the “PCI SCSI Bus Controller Properties” window, select the “Driver” tab, then select “Change Driver...”.

4.In the “Select Hardware Type” window, select “SCSI Controllers.”

5.In the “Select Device” window, select “Have Disk...”.

6.When the “Install from Disk” window is displayed, insert Driver Disk 1 into drive A:, then enter the pathname of the Windows 95 driver’s directory (“A:\WIN95”) and select “OK”.

7.Select “Initio INI-A100U2W PCI SCSI Controller”, select “OK”, then “OK” again to install the INIA100.MPD driver on your hard-disk drive. (Because of a Windows quirk, the A:\WIN95 directory might become deselected; it might be necessary to direct Windows back to A:\WIN95—possibly several times— before it actually copies the driver.)

8.This completes installing the Adapter’s device driver. Reboot the system to activate the driver.

SCSI-2 LVD specifications

The Black Box SCSI-2 LVD (Low Voltage Differential) represents a significant advancement in data storage and connectivity technology, particularly in environments requiring high performance and reliability. As a variant of the SCSI (Small Computer System Interface) standard, it is optimized for faster data communication, essential for modern computing needs.

One of the main features of SCSI-2 LVD is its capability to handle increased data transfer speeds compared to its predecessors. It supports a maximum data transfer rate of up to 80 MB/s, which is double that of the original SCSI-2 single-ended signaling. This increase in speed is largely due to the differential signaling that LVD employs, allowing for reduced electromagnetic interference and extended cable lengths while maintaining signal integrity. The technology effectively converts the SCSI bus into a more robust system that can accommodate various devices without compromising performance.

The SCSI-2 LVD standard is backward compatible, meaning that it can interface with older SCSI devices, albeit at reduced speeds. This compatibility is significant for users looking to upgrade their systems without discarding existing hardware. This makes SCSI-2 LVD an attractive choice for enterprise environments where legacy systems are common.

Another key characteristic is the flexible cabling options provided by SCSI-2 LVD. It can support cable lengths of up to 12 meters, which is beneficial for large data center configurations where space between devices can be substantial. This extended range does not typically come at the expense of performance, ensuring that data integrity remains high, even over longer distances.

In terms of technology, LVD employs lower voltage levels, which not only contributes to greater power efficiency but also minimizes heat generation in devices. This is particularly crucial in data centers where temperature management can impact hardware longevity and reliability. The combination of lower voltage use and differential signaling makes SCSI-2 LVD well-suited for high-density environments.

Error correction and handshaking features are also integral to SCSI-2 LVD, enhancing its robustness against data loss during transmission. These characteristics make it a reliable choice for applications requiring consistent and high-speed data access, such as server arrays and high-performance computing tasks.

Overall, Black Box SCSI-2 LVD stands out due to its impressive speed, compatibility, and extensive cabling options, positioning it as a reliable solution for demanding data environments. It effectively bridges the gap between legacy systems and modern technology, ensuring that users can optimize their data handling capabilities without significant disruption.