Cheetah 36 Installation Guide, Rev. A

37

5.Format the drive.

Caution. Formatting a drive erases all user data. Be sure that you understand this principle before formatting any hard disc drive. It is not nec-

essary to format a drive that previously has been used to store data unless your intention is to erase all user data. Seagate is not responsible for lost user data.

Important information about formatting the drive

The drive has been low level formatted at the factory. You do not need to perform another low level format on this drive unless you decide to perform certain diagnos- tics through the host adapter.

If you do decide to perform a low level format, do not abort the format as this is likely to make the drive inoper- able. A low level format will typically take less than 30 minutes.

Protect against power failure or other power interrup- tions during the format.

Cheetah 36 disc drives are designed to operate with a vari- ety of operating systems. Some brief instructions are pro- vided below for DOS, Windows 3.1, Windows 95, Windows 98, and Macintosh systems. For more detailed instructions, or if your operating system is not covered by these instruc- tions, please refer to your operating system or drive utility documentation.

Page 39
Image 39
Seagate ST136403LW/LC manual Format the drive, Important information about formatting the drive

ST136403LW/LC specifications

The Seagate ST136403LW/LC is a vintage hard disk drive that belongs to Seagate's esteemed lineup of storage solutions. Known for its reliability and performance during the era of its release, this model caters to various computing needs, particularly in enterprise and industrial settings.

One of the standout features of the ST136403LW/LC is its capacity of 36.4 GB, which, although modest by modern standards, was quite impressive in the early 1990s. This size made it ideal for businesses at the time looking to store substantial amounts of data without the high costs associated with larger enterprise solutions.

The drive operates at a speed of 7200 RPM, allowing for efficient data access and transfer. The spindle speed is crucial for performance, and 7200 RPM was considered rapid for hard drives in that period. This enhanced speed translates to quicker read and write times, making it suitable for applications that require timely data retrieval.

The ST136403LW/LC utilizes the SCSI interface, a popular choice in server environments for its robustness and speed. SCSI technology facilitates the connection of multiple drives, providing the ability to network various devices and manage them effectively. The multi-device capability is particularly beneficial for enterprise applications, ensuring that data centers can efficiently manage resources.

In terms of physical characteristics, the ST136403LW/LC is a 3.5-inch form factor drive, a standard size that fits into most desktops and servers of its generation. This compatibility is vital for users looking to upgrade their existing systems without the need for significant modifications.

The drive also includes built-in error correction features, enhancing data integrity and reliability, crucial for business operations where data loss can lead to substantial repercussions. Additionally, it employs a sealed enclosure design, providing protection against dust and moisture, thereby extending the drive's lifespan in demanding environments.

Furthermore, Seagate's reputation for durability is echoed in the ST136403LW/LC, as it was designed to endure the rigors of everyday use, particularly in enterprise settings where uptime is critical.

In conclusion, the Seagate ST136403LW/LC serves as an essential piece of technology from its era, characterized by its 36.4 GB capacity, 7200 RPM speed, SCSI interface, and robust construction. While modern storage solutions have far surpassed its capabilities, this drive remains a testament to Seagate's legacy in the storage industry, reflecting the innovations of its time.