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greengoose1:
I wont get too technical for now, it would make my post about an hours worth of reading. For starters, SCSI stands for Small Computer Systems Interface. When it was introduced in the 80's it was a much faster technology than anything currently available.
The SCSI standard specifies a universal, parallel, system interface for connecting up to eight devices( including the adapter/controller) on a single, shared cable (called the SCSI bus). In layman's terms, you have a SCSI adapter(controller) board plugged into a PCI slot with seven other devices (ie. hard-drive, cd-rom, scanner etc.) connected by one long ribbon cable. (included in the seven devices you may connect an external device or two depending on the adapter).
SCSI works by assigning a unique device number (called a "SCSI address") to each device on the SCSI bus. These numbers are configured either through jumpers or DIP switches.
In a nutshell, whenever the computer needs to send data to a SCSI device, it sends a signal to the SCSI adapter (controller). The adapter (controller) then sends the signal through the SCSI bus to the appropriate device. The device then responds with a signal that contains the device number that sent the information and the data itself.
This information is sent back through the adapter to the rest of the computer. Remember, the adapter(controller)is used to manage all the devices on the SCSI bus as well as send and retrieve data from all the devices. (These adapters have their own little BIOS programs).
The difference between SCSI adapters(controllers) and on-board or plugin IDE controllers is that SCSI adapters (controllers) don't have to do as much work as a true IDE controller. This is because SCSI devices are "smart" devices; they contain a circuit board that can control the read/write movement. Essentially, they are smart enough to interpret signals and return the correct data.
My opinion on SCSI; its really not worth the extra money or hassles of setting up anymore.
With the introduction of EIDE and faster devices (ie. 7200 rpm hard drives, 50X CD-ROM's etc.) the speed advantage of SCSI has been significantly reduced. Also, SCSI devices typically cost about 20% more than EIDE devices and you also have the extra cost of a SCSI adapter board (approx $40.00 to $100.00). Nowdays, most SCSI applications are limited to Network servers and high-end workstations. The only exception that I am aware of, is with CD-R's and CD-RW's. There are a lot of SCSI CD-R users (ie. Plextor) that feel that the throughput (or speed) of SCSI helps reduce the occurances of buffer underruns.
My experience with CD-R's and CD-RW's has been mainly with EIDE devices. I have only had a few buffer underruns after burning more than 300 cd's. For your first system, I would recommend skipping SCSI and sticking to EIDE devices.
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greengoose1:
Since I'm already here, I guess I'll throw my two cents in about Cd "burners". First, a CD writer is absolutely worthless if you can't figure the software out! From personal experience, I have to endorse Adaptec's Easy CD Creator software. It's easy to run and they have a reasonably decent site for updates. Second, if you are going to buy a CD-writer get a good quality one! Pay attention to internal buffers, and make sure that you get a good CD-ROM that matches up well with the "burner".
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I was wondering where you were sdtech. See how simple that is QoH? https://discussions.virtualdr.com/ Been trying to get this subject straight in my mind and there it is brief and to the point. Thanks https://discussions.virtualdr.com/
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Train, When you check in, please give me your opinion on 20GB that you put on your list and 30GB I am considering. Be Back
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Morning https://discussions.virtualdr.com/Connection problems this AM https://discussions.virtualdr.com/ .
sdtech,
Thanks for that explanation. Also about the software. That's why I wondered if it came with a program (software) yesterday. Hafta be able to use it !
Gotta work.... Later
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Mosaic, The way sdtech put it, I fear this is but a tip of another iceberg of knowledge that we need. Wonder where Bistro is.
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greengoose,
I know the S500 includes the 300W power supply. Whether you have to install it remains to be seen. Probably in it's own little box since you can order the case with different power supplies. It's also 2.01 complient. https://discussions.virtualdr.com/
Glad we discussed this CD business. I've been giving those threads my attention now. So that's what they mean by making "coasters" ! https://discussions.virtualdr.com/
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Sorry---power outage here. We be back. Good explanation there, sdtech! (...and to think I was gonna say "SCSI bad, EIDE good"... https://discussions.virtualdr.com/
Sdtech1 is absolutomondo correct--don't think of investing in/installing SCSI--those 7200rpm ATA-66's recommended way back will be more economical, much easier to install, and about as fast as as SCSI. Not quite, but close. They also won't give you as many problems in my book.
That case: depends on the vendor. Some will install the upgrade ps at the shop, then ship. Others will ship the case and ps separately. Installing the ps is nothing--4 screws; and the orientation of the ps is obvious.
As far as that 2.01 compliance--the industry learned the error of its ways a while back--You can pretty much assume a new ATX power supply will be compliant. Doesn't hurt to check though.
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Mosaic, The more opinions we have the better, I agree. And I have been surfing the various roads of knowledge. And I want it all right now. https://discussions.virtualdr.com/ (And stir it you did - proud of you https://discussions.virtualdr.com/ https://discussions.virtualdr.com/)
QoH, Thanks, I couldn't find it and wasn't sure. Reading that thread on programs which was individual thoughts and perspectives got me to thinking. I know, I know, don't say a word. https://discussions.virtualdr.com/ What set of progroms would be the optimum for us to utilize in these units?
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Recommended Basic Load (bear in mind that everyone has a "preference")
1. Windows 98 SE: Forget ME for now--too new and too many "bugs" being reported.
2. Antivirus: Norton, McAfee. InoculateIt is good also(free).
3. Zone Alarm: firewall
4. Irfanview: free graphics viewer
5. Norton Utilities: diagnostics
6. GoBack: disk recovery program
7. Internet Explorer 5.01 or Netscape:
Do not install IE 5.5 yet--lots of bug reports.
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There you are bistro ! https://discussions.virtualdr.com/
I thought you were stuck in the snow somewhere between home and work and had misplaced your keys again ! https://discussions.virtualdr.com/
......are your mittens strung together so you don't loose those ? https://discussions.virtualdr.com/
We were worried https://discussions.virtualdr.com/
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No snow here yet, but I did tie my shoes together so I wouldn't lose them. It was a real bear getting out the door this morning...
Well, gotta pop back out now--taking daughter to the doctor--routine visit. Back later...
[This message has been edited by bistro (edited 12-12-2000).]
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Mosaic,
I'd be thrilled with the plastic screwdriver !
Hotmail just popped back on !
Thank you https://discussions.virtualdr.com/
I don't know what's left or next.....are we ready ? https://discussions.virtualdr.com/
bistro,
I have the image in my mind of your departure for work this morning. https://discussions.virtualdr.com/
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greengoose1
Train, When you check in, please give me your opinion on 20GB that you put on your list and 30GB I am considering. Be Back
My think is I will partition to keep Under 8GB {4K clusters}. Probably 4 on Master. Slave 20GB Will have min of 3 partitions and if I can swing it, be mounted in a swap tray. In other words I will be able to remove it and not go into the machine. And the way I try to do things, I more than likely put a tray in this one.
Reasons: Backup maybe play with other OS'S and a project of old family photos with naratives, geneology [ This is a 487 page document already{900 k}]. In other words a partition per subject or two. And partition size sublect to change yet.
hp at present has adaptic with there burners.
I follow there suggestions and so far 1 goof out of about 50. And, I believe I did and not the machine.
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SMILE
