Optimizing Data Transfers - LaCie d2 DL DVD±RW Drive User Manual

LaCie d2 DL DVD±RW Drive
User's Manual

5.6. 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 d2 DL DVD±RW Drive, the data is transferred from the
drive to the computer via the FireWire or USB interface. The data is fed from the drive through the FireWire port on the drive,
and passes to the computer through the FireWire host-bus adapter interface.
FireWire
Computer manufacturer's implementation of the FireWire host-bus adapter interfaces vary widely. For computers running
Windows 2000 and later, the FireWire interface, which is referred to as either IEEE 1394 or iLink on PCs*, is less common
as a native host-bus adapter. Nearly all recent Apple computers have native FireWire interface ports.
The FireWire interfaces specify 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 d2 DL DVD±RW Drive directly to a native FireWire port on your computer, and
avoid daisy-chaining*. 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 FireWire port, LaCie offers FireWire 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
information, or visit our Web site: www.lacie.com.
USB
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
original USB specifications. Mac OS 10.2.7 and later supports Hi-Speed USB 2.0, and Mac OS 10.x also supports Hi-Speed
USB 2.0, but you will have to purchase a third-party PCI or PC Card and appropriate drivers.
Contact your LaCie reseller or
Web site: www.lacie.com.
LaCie Customer Support for information about Hi-Speed USB 2.0 PCI or PC Cards, or visit our
Foreword
page 36
LaCie Customer Support for more