Compaq DS20E - AlphaStation - 1 GB RAM User Manual page 165

because of the differences in how storage is managed under those file systems.
Partition number — Within a single drive, partition numbers are assigned in
sequential order: 1, 2, 3, and so on. The partitions populate the drive from the
innermost cylinders to the outermost. If you have a large hard disk (over 800
MB) and plan to use the FAT file system, it is a good idea to break the disk into
several smaller partitions because the FAT file system uses disk space more
efficiently at smaller partition sizes. This is not necessary for the NTFS file
system, since it uses disk space very efficiently at all partition sizes.
Partition size — The raw (unformatted) storage capacity of the partition. Actual
storage space will differ based on the file system with which the partition is
formatted.
Partition format — The file system (if any) used on a partition. This field
displays FAT, NTFS, or unrecognized (if the partition is unformatted).
Disk setup options
Insert partition (Insert key) — Use this option to create new partitions. Before
creating a new partition, be sure to select an unpartitioned space. Pressing the
Insert key while an already partitioned space is selected causes an informational
error to be displayed.
Delete partition (Delete key) — Use this option to delete existing partitions.
Before deleting a partition, be sure to back up any data you want to save on the
partition. Deleting a partition deletes all data on that partition but leaves the rest
of the disk unaffected. Pressing the Delete key while an unpartitioned space is
selected displays an informational error.
Format partition (F6 key) — Format a partitioned space with the FAT file
system.
Express setup (F7 key) — Create the default recommended partition
arrangement for Windows NT.
Exit (Escape key) — Return to the AlphaBIOS Setup screen.
An express hard disk setup creates the recommended partition arrangement on the
first hard disk (disk 0). It does not, however, format the large partition with NTFS,
and it does not map bad sectors on the disk. The NTFS formatting can be done
during Windows NT installation.
To perform an express hard disk setup
1. If you have any needed information on your disk, back it up before proceeding.
2. Start AlphaBIOS Setup, select Hard Disk Setup, and press Enter.
3. Press F7 to enter Express Setup.
4. Press F10 to continue with the setup.
AlphaBIOS Console 5-23