CHAPTER 5: Driver Installation

5.3 Installing Drivers for Windows 98

With an additional software driver, your Ultra2 LVD SCSI Host Adapter will support Microsoft Windows 98. The installation procedure described here requires some experience in Windows 98 system setup and administration. The device driver is transferred from Driver Disk 1 to the hard drive, from which it is automatically loaded during the system-boot routine.

These installation files are in the “A:\WIN95” directory on Driver Disk 1, because they are identical to the files used for Windows 95: “A:\WIN95\INIA100.MPD” is the Adapter’s Windows 95/98 miniport driver, and “A:\WIN95\INIA100.INF” is the Windows 95/98 installation-information file.

The Adapter’s Windows 98 driver is loaded during the system-boot routine and will remain resident on the drive. This is accomplished by following one of the three installation procedures listed in this section: new Windows 98 installation, adding the Adapter’s Windows 98 device driver to an existing Windows 98 system, or updating the INIA100.MPD device driver. These procedures differ significantly from one another. We strongly suggest that you carefully read the instructions for the procedure you plan to use and make sure you understand them before proceeding with the corresponding system-configuration changes.

5.3.1NEW WINDOWS 98 INSTALLATION

These instructions will guide you through the installation of the Ultra2 LVD SCSI Host Adapter’s Windows 98 driver while installing Windows 98 itself. Windows 98 will be installed from either a CD-ROM or floppy diskettes. It is important that the hardware 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 98 CD-ROM either from the DOS prompt, from the Microsoft Windows 3.x File Manager, or through the “My Computer” icon on the Windows 98 desktop. Execute the SETUP.EXE program and follow the instructions on your screen.

1B. If you’re installing from floppy diskette: Put Windows 98 Setup Disk 1 in your floppy-disk drive and boot your system. Follow the instructions on your screen.

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Black Box SCSI-2 LVD manual NEW Windows 98 Installation

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.