Using the NetWare Tape Backup Utility

Adaptec 78xx Family host adapters and their drivers are fully NetWare-tested and -approved. This means that you can purchase a NetWare drive (certified as “Yes, Tested and Approved”) from a vendor, connect it to your com- puter system or host adapter, partition it, and create a volume without any compatibility concerns.

Adaptec’s aic7870.dsk driver module is flexible enough to allow you to connect NetWare-tested and -approved SCSI drives as well as standard SCSI drives to a single host adapter. The driver registers each hard-disk drive accordingly.

Drive registration is a user-transparent process; no user interaction is required. You can tell that the drive has been detected as NetWare-tested and -approved if the message NetWare Yes Tested and Approved is included in the drive description string that appears when you run monitor.nlm (disk options).

Included with NetWare is a server-based tape backup utility called sbackup.nlm. This allows backup of server disk drives to a server tape drive. The sbackup.nlm util- ity supports Adaptec host adapters.

1.Load the SCSI adapter driver.

The syntax to load the aic7870.dsk driver is: load [pathname] aic7870 [options] slot=x

The ASPI layer (aspitran.dsk) is automatically loaded.

2.Refer to the Novell NetWare documentation for additional instructions on loading the server backup software. Refer to the NetWare Server Backup User’s Guide to load the tsa and sbackup modules.

Setting Up a CD-ROM Drive With Net- Ware 3.12 or 4.x

To use a CD-ROM drive with NetWare 3.12 or 4.x, fol- low these instructions:

1.Load aic7870.dsk by entering the following com- mand line:

:load [pathname] aic7870.dsk slot=x

2.Load aspicd.dsk by entering the following com- mand line:

:load [pathname] aspicd.dsk

NOTE: If aspicd.dsk does not work, unload it and load it again. The first load initializes the host adapter; unloading and reloading allows the initial- ization to complete.

3.Load cdrom.nlm as follows:

:load [pathname] cdrom.nlm

4.Enter the following line at the prompt, and then note the number and name of the CD that appears:

:cd device list

5.Enter the number and volume name of the CD at the command line:

:cd mount [number] [name]

The CD-ROM is now ready to be accessed as a volume.

Optimizing Performance

The Adaptec 78xx SCSI bus master firmware increases the SCSI performance of the Adaptec 78xx Family host adapt- ers under multitasking environments. The firmware uses a paging mechanism to handle up to 255 simultaneous SCSI commands. The sequencer can simultaneously manage up to 32 tagged, or 2 nontagged, SCSI commands for each SCSI device, up to a limit of 255 SCSI commands. The firmware can queue as many commands as the operating system is able to send to the host adapter. To set this fea- ture, enter the following command:

max_tags=n

In general, a low number for the max_tags option gives better sequential performance. This value varies with the level of random disk accesses and drive characteristics.

NOTE: A large value for max_tags can cause starvation problems with some drives.

3-38 Dell PowerEdge 2100/180 and 2100/200 Systems User’s Guide

2100/180, 2100/200 specifications

The Dell 2100/200 and Dell 2100/180 are innovative offerings from Dell that cater to the demands of a variety of users, ranging from small businesses to larger enterprises. Both models are designed to deliver high performance and reliability, making them indispensable tools in the modern computing environment.

The Dell 2100/200 features an impressive Intel processor that ensures fast and efficient performance, making it suitable for multitasking and handling complex applications. Coupled with a generous RAM configuration, this model can easily manage demanding workloads, resulting in smoother performance and faster processing times. In contrast, the Dell 2100/180, while slightly less powerful, still maintains robust performance levels that are well-suited for general productivity tasks and everyday use.

Both models come equipped with ample storage options, featuring hard disk drives that provide significant space for data and application storage. Users can choose between traditional HDDs and solid-state drives (SSDs), allowing them to prioritize speed and performance based on their specific needs. The flexibility in storage options ensures that users can customize their systems according to their requirements, enhancing the overall user experience.

Connectivity is another area where the Dell 2100 series excels. Both models come with a range of ports including USB, HDMI, and Ethernet, allowing for seamless connectivity with various peripherals and networks. This versatility makes the machines ideal for environments where multiple devices need to be connected simultaneously, whether for presentations, data transfer, or internet access.

In terms of energy efficiency, both the Dell 2100/200 and Dell 2100/180 incorporate advanced cooling technologies that minimize energy consumption while maximizing performance. This not only helps reduce operational costs but also contributes to a more sustainable computing environment.

The design of these models is another distinguishing feature. With a compact form factor, they fit easily into office spaces while maintaining a professional appearance. Their durable build quality ensures longevity, making them a worthwhile investment for businesses.

Overall, the Dell 2100/200 and Dell 2100/180 serve as powerful and reliable machines that combine advanced technologies and user-centric designs. Whether for business or personal use, these models provide a solid foundation for effective computing, ensuring that users can achieve their goals efficiently and effectively.