LaCie Databank user manual Available Storage Capacity, Optimizing Data Transfers

Tech Note: For more information on the USB interface, please see USB Questions and Answers.

Tech Note: Please see 3.3 Connecting Multiple Devices for more information.

LaCie Data Bank Hi-Speed USB 2.0	5. Tech Tips
User’s Manual	page 22

5.2. Available Storage Capacity

A gigabyte (GB) means 1,000,000,000 bytes. In order to utilize a hard disk drive, it has to be formatted first. 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. Once formatted, the actual available storage capacity varies, depending on operating environment, and is generally about 10% less than the non-formatted capacity.

5.3. Optimizing Data Transfers

Data transfers are the flow of data that accomplishes a task, usually related to moving data from storage to computer RAM, or between storage devices. With external drives, such as the LaCie Hard Drive, the data is transferred from the drive to the computer via the USB interface. The data is fed from the drive through the USB port on the

drive, and passes to the computer through either the USB host-bus adapter interface.

The USB interface specifies certain requirements, filed under the OHCI (Open Host Controller Interface) standards. All LaCie drives comply to OHCI standards and have been rigorously tested on computers that have host bus adapters that also comply to OHCI standards. Unfortunately, not all manufacturers respect these guidelines, and anomalies

may arise with computers that have host bus adapters that do not conform to OHCI standards.

For the best performance, connect your LaCie Hard Drive directly to a native USB port on your computer, and avoid using hubs*. During data transfers, it’s best to wait before launching other applications that will be using the same port.

If you do not have a native USB port, LaCie offers USB host bust adapter cards, also known

as PCI or PC/PCMCIA cards, that have been tested and comply with LaCie drives. Please contact your reseller or LaCie Customer Support for more information.

Hi-Speed USB 2.0 Host Bus Adapters And Performance

To utilize the enhanced Hi-Speed USB 2.0 performance, your computer must be equipped with a Hi-Speed USB 2.0 host bus adapter card, either sold separately, or integrated by your computer’s manufacturer) and the appropriate drivers. These host bus adapter cards, which include one or more USB ports, are shipped with special Hi-Speed USB 2.0 drivers that enable the computer to control the card. These drivers must be installed in order for USB 2.0 devices connected to the port to work at their correct speeds.

Computers running Windows 2000 and Windows XP automatically manage Hi-Speed USB 2.0 devices and drivers, while Windows 98 SE and Windows Me will require that drivers be installed before a Hi-Speed USB 2.0 device is attached.

Mac OS 9.x does not support Hi-Speed USB 2.0 functionality, and all Hi-Speed USB 2.0 devices will only operate at the