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