CHAPTER 5: Driver Installation

5.6.2ADDING THE OS/2 DRIVER TO AN EXISTING OS/2 SYSTEM

For computer systems using other SCSI host adapters or an IDE device to provide the system boot routines, these instructions will guide you through Ultra2 LVD SCSI Host Adapter driver installation. The OS/2 driver is on Driver Disk 1. It is important that the SCSI hardware and OS/2 opertaing system be installed correctly before proceeding further.

1.Once an OS/2 session is established, insert Driver Disk 1 into your floppy drive.

2.By using your installed mouse, or by using the appropriate keystrokes, select “Device Driver Install” from the “System Setup” group.

3.Select “Change”. Select “OS2” and select “Set”.

4.Select “Destination Directory”. Either accept the default destination directory or select “Change” to make any existing OS/2 directory the destination directory. Select “Set”.

5.Select “Install” from the “Device Driver Installation” group. Select “Initio INI-A100U2W Device Driver for OS/2”. Select “OK”.

6.Select “Exit” to install the OS/2 device driver. Exit and reboot the system to activate the driver.

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Black Box SCSI-2 LVD manual Adding the OS/2 Driver to AN Existing OS/2 System

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.