LaCie U S B 2. 0 user manual Using Your LaCie Drive, File System Formats

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LaCie mini

COMPANION HARD DRIVE

3. Using Your LaCie Drive

Formatting a disk consists of the following: the operating system erases all of the bookkeeping information on the disk, tests the disk to make sure that all of the sectors are reliable, marks bad sectors (i.e., those that are scratched) and creates internal address tables that it later uses to locate information.

As you format the drive, you will have the opportunity to divide the hard drive into sections, called partitions. A partition is a section of the hard drive’s storage capacity that is created to contain files and data.

Once formatted, the actual available storage capacity varies, depending on operating environment, and is generally about 10% less than the non- formatted capacity.

File System Formats

There are three different file system formats that are predominately found in Mac and Windows environments:

•Mac OS Extended (HFS+) - for Mac OS 9.x and Mac OS 10.x •NTFS - for Windows 2000 and XP

•FAT 32 - for Windows Me and legacy operating systems

Using Your LaCie Drive

Tech Note: Windows Users! This LaCie Hard Drive is formatted for

the Mac operating system, and you will need to re-format the drive in order for it to appear and operate under the Windows operating system.

Important Note: If you will be using this drive between Mac and

Windows operating environments, you can create two partitions: one 32GB FAT 32 volume, and one large Mac OS Extended volume. There are certain limitations to this configuration, though; to achieve the best performance and reliability, it is recommended that you utilize a third-party utility, such as Mediafour’s MacDrive, which allows Windows computers to read and write files on a volume formatted for the Mac.

Mac Users

•If you will be using the drive in a strictly Mac OS environment, leave the drive formatted as one large Mac OS Extended volume.

•If you want to be able to install multiple Mac operating systems on the LaCie Drive, partition the drive into multiple Mac OS Extended volumes.

Windows Users

•If you will be using this drive between Windows 98SE, Me, 2000 and/or XP environments, it is recommended that you create two partitions: one that is a 32GB FAT 32 (MS-DOS File System) volume, and the other as a large NTFS volume.

•If you will be using the drive in a strictly Win 2000/XP environment, create one large NTFS volume.

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Contents M P a N I O N LaCie mini For Home or Office USE Foreword General Use Precautions Health And Safety PrecautionsMinimum System Requirements Unpacking Your LaCie DriveStacking your LaCie mini Mac OS 9.x Users Windows 98 SE and Windows Me Users Getting ConnectedMac OS 9.x Users Only! Silverlining Pro Installation LaCie mini Step Mac OS 9.x Mac OS File System Formats Using Your LaCie DriveFormatting And Partitioning Your LaCie mini LaCie mini Important Note FAT32 Helpful Information Advice For Optimizing USB 2.0 ConnectionsHelpful Informaion Data Transfers File System Formats Guidelines for Choosing FAT 32 Or Ntfs Manual Updates TroubleshootingHere Drive is not Questions to Ask Contacting Customer Support LaCie mini Warranty

U S B 2. 0 specifications

LaCie USB 2.0 portable drives have established themselves as reliable and versatile storage solutions for a wide range of users, from casual consumers to creative professionals. One of the key aspects of LaCie's USB 2.0 drives is their compatibility, allowing seamless connection to a variety of devices, including PCs, Macs, and compatible gaming consoles. This broad compatibility ensures that users can access their data without the need for specialized software or drivers.

The main feature of LaCie's USB 2.0 drives is the ease of use that comes with plug-and-play functionality. This means that users can simply plug the drive into a USB port, and it will be automatically recognized by the operating system, allowing for immediate data access and transfer. This user-friendly design is perfect for individuals who may not be tech-savvy, providing a hassle-free experience.

LaCie drives also boast robust data transfer speeds, though USB 2.0 is not as fast as its successor, USB 3.0. Nonetheless, USB 2.0 technology still offers decent transfer speeds of up to 480 Mbps, making it adequate for most standard storage tasks, such as backing up files, transferring documents, and storing media. While it might not handle high-definition video transfers as efficiently as USB 3.0 options, it remains a practical choice for everyday use.

Another notable characteristic of LaCie USB 2.0 drives is their sturdy build quality. LaCie often designs their drives with durability in mind, using materials that can withstand daily wear and tear. This emphasis on build quality helps to protect the data stored within, making these drives suitable for both home and field use.

In terms of storage capacity, LaCie offers a range of options, accommodating users who need varying amounts of space. Whether it's a compact drive for personal use or a larger capacity model for extensive media libraries, LaCie has a solution to match different storage needs.

Additionally, many LaCie USB 2.0 drives come with built-in security features, such as password protection, ensuring that sensitive data remains secure. This added layer of security is particularly valuable for professionals working with confidential information or for individuals who want to keep their personal data private.

In summary, LaCie USB 2.0 drives are characterized by their user-friendliness, reliable performance, solid build quality, and a variety of options to meet diverse storage needs. Whether for personal or professional use, these drives offer a practical and effective solution for data storage and transfer.
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