CHAPTER 5: Driver Installation

5.1.5THE ASPI PARTITION & FORMAT UTILITY

INIFDISK.EXE is a DOS ASPI partition-and-format utility. It requires the ASPIA100.SYS and INIDISK.SYS drivers to be loaded in order for it to function properly. INIFDISK.EXE is installed by the DOSSETUP program. It can partition and format any SCSI storage device that is not being controlled by the BIOS; this includes SCSI hard disks, magneto-optical drives, and removable-media devices.

When you run INIFDISK, its initial screen will have two windows. The top window will list all of the SCSI devices installed in the system; you can use the up- and down-arrow keys to highlight a particular device. The bottom window will display information about the device that is currently highlighted in the top window.

Once you select a storage device, INIFDISK will display a second two-part screen. Its top window will list all of the device’s logical drives or volumes, physical partitions, etc. Before you can erase existing physical partitions on a device, you have to remove all of their logical divisions; when you select a device element (drive, volume, partition, etc.), the bottom window will show the commands for everything it is currently possible to do with that element, and will explain why certain things are not yet possible to do.

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Black Box SCSI-2 LVD manual Aspi Partition & Format Utility

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.