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LaCie U S B 2. 0 user manual Guidelines for Choosing FAT 32 Or Ntfs

Models: U S B 2. 0

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LaCie mini

Helpful Informaion

COMPANION HARD DRIVE

4.2.2. Windows Users

Since the LaCie mini comes preformatted for the Mac operating system, you will need to reformat the drive in one of the two file system formats for Windows: FAT 32 and NTFS. The following information will hopefully make choosing one or the other a little easier.

FAT 32

FAT is an acronym for File Allocation Table, which dates back to the beginnings of DOS programming. Originally, FAT was only 16 bits, but after the second release of Windows 95 it was upgraded to 32 bits, hence the name FAT 32. In theory, FAT 32 volume sizes can range from less than 1MB all the way to 2TB. It is the native file system of Windows 98 and Windows Me, and is supported by Windows 2000 and XP. When FAT 32 is used with Windows 2000 and XP, though, volume size is limited to 32GB (by the Windows partition utility, i.e. Disk Manager), and the individual file size is limited to 4GB.

NTFS

This acronym stands for New Technology Filing System, and it is the native file system for Windows NT, Windows 2000 and XP. NTFS offers several features that are not available with FAT 32; i.e. file compression, encryption, permissions, and auditing, as well as the ability to mirror drives and RAID 5 capabilities. The minimum supported volume size for NTFS is 10MB, with a maximum of 2TB, with no limit to file size. Volumes created in NTFS can only be directly accessed (not through shares) by Windows NT, Windows 2000 and XP, without resorting to help from third-party products.

Guidelines for Choosing FAT 32 Or NTFS

Use FAT 32 if:

•You want to access your data on any Operating System - FAT 32 is compatible with Windows 98 SE, Me, 2000, XP, NT, Mac OS 9.x and Mac OS 10.x.

•You will be dual booting with an Operating System other than Windows NT or Windows 2000.

•You may need the ability to dual boot down the line. Once you have converted a volume from NTFS to FAT 32, there is no going back. You can convert from FAT 32 to NTFS, but not the other way around.

Use NTFS if:

•You want to optimize drive performance under Windows 2000 or XP.

•You want to encrypt files, assign permissions to files, or want to audit files for access.

•You will be formatting partitions larger than 32GB.

•You need to store individual files that are larger than 4GB.

•You need a filing system that can be mirrored or structured like a RAID 5 configuration.

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LaCie U S B 2. 0 user manual Guidelines for Choosing FAT 32 Or Ntfs
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U S B 2. 0 specifications

LaCie USB 2.0 portable drives have established themselves as reliable and versatile storage solutions for a wide range of users, from casual consumers to creative professionals. One of the key aspects of LaCie's USB 2.0 drives is their compatibility, allowing seamless connection to a variety of devices, including PCs, Macs, and compatible gaming consoles. This broad compatibility ensures that users can access their data without the need for specialized software or drivers.

The main feature of LaCie's USB 2.0 drives is the ease of use that comes with plug-and-play functionality. This means that users can simply plug the drive into a USB port, and it will be automatically recognized by the operating system, allowing for immediate data access and transfer. This user-friendly design is perfect for individuals who may not be tech-savvy, providing a hassle-free experience.

LaCie drives also boast robust data transfer speeds, though USB 2.0 is not as fast as its successor, USB 3.0. Nonetheless, USB 2.0 technology still offers decent transfer speeds of up to 480 Mbps, making it adequate for most standard storage tasks, such as backing up files, transferring documents, and storing media. While it might not handle high-definition video transfers as efficiently as USB 3.0 options, it remains a practical choice for everyday use.

Another notable characteristic of LaCie USB 2.0 drives is their sturdy build quality. LaCie often designs their drives with durability in mind, using materials that can withstand daily wear and tear. This emphasis on build quality helps to protect the data stored within, making these drives suitable for both home and field use.

In terms of storage capacity, LaCie offers a range of options, accommodating users who need varying amounts of space. Whether it's a compact drive for personal use or a larger capacity model for extensive media libraries, LaCie has a solution to match different storage needs.

Additionally, many LaCie USB 2.0 drives come with built-in security features, such as password protection, ensuring that sensitive data remains secure. This added layer of security is particularly valuable for professionals working with confidential information or for individuals who want to keep their personal data private.

In summary, LaCie USB 2.0 drives are characterized by their user-friendliness, reliable performance, solid build quality, and a variety of options to meet diverse storage needs. Whether for personal or professional use, these drives offer a practical and effective solution for data storage and transfer.