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1,000,000,000 bytes. Windows and Mac operating systems use the
binary (base 2) method, where 1GB = 1,024 MB = 1,048,576 KB =
1,073,741,824 bytes. Example: A hard drive with a capacity of 120
GB will show up on Windows and Mac with a capacity of, say,111.8
GB. The actual number of available bytes is 120,044,335,923, which
is just over 120 GB (decimal).
Hard drive manufacturers use the decimal method because it is
simpler and less confusing to consumers who may not be familiar
with the base 2 number system. Manufacturers of operating sys-
tems do not need to concern themselves with this issue, so they
typically use the more traditional binary method. As long as the
drive displays the correct number of bytes (approximately), you are
getting the drive’s full capacity. The reason we say that the number
of bytes will be approximate is because operating systems reserve
a small amount of disk space for their own purposes. The actual
amount may vary depending on the operating system.
Q: Can I use my AcomData Drive to copy an operating system
from one computer to another?
A: You cannot transfer an installed operating system to another
computer or hard drive simply by copying the operating system’s
files. In order to install an operating system, you’ll need to follow
the manufacturer’s installation procedure. If you wish to transfer
the contents of one startup disk to another, you will first need to
properly install the operating system on the target drive. You can
then use your AcomData Drive to copy over your files (except the
operating system).
If you use your AcomData drive as a backup device, and you use
the Backup operation in Retrospect Express, it is possible to back-
up the entire contents of your computer’s startup disk, including
the operating system and all associated files. If your computer’s
startup disk becomes unresponsive, you can restore the entire
disk from your AcomData Drive. See the Help menu in Retrospect
Express for more information (if available).
Q: Does AcomData provide data recovery services?
A: AcomData does not provide data recovery services.
are performing tasks that require large, frequent data transfers.
FireWire 800 is significantly faster than both USB 2.0 and FireWire
400.
Q: Why doesn’t the FireWire cable fit my FireWire port?
A: The supplied FireWire cable uses either 6-pin or 9-pin connec-
tors at both ends, but many laptops have a 4-pin FireWire port.
In order to connect the Drive to your laptop via FireWire, you will
need to purchase a cable with a 4-pin connector at one end.
Q: What is the cache size on my AcomData Drive?
A: All drives under 250 GB have 2MB buffers; drives that are 250 GB
or larger have 8MB buffers.
Q: Can you make an AcomData Drive bootable?
A: It is possible to use an AcomData Drive as a boot volume on
Mac OS 9 and Mac OS X. Follow the instructions in your Mac OS
manual for the proper installation of the Mac OS. If you wish to
use your AcomData Drive as a boot volume, make sure you install
the Mac OS on the Drive before saving any data to the Drive. On
Windows operating systems it is not possible to use an external
hard drive as a boot volume.
Q: Why doesn’t the Drive need a fan?
A: All hard drives generate some heat during normal operation.
Heat generation can be an issue with some hard drives, which is
why hard drives often have big, noisy fans. The E5 was engineered
to be more efficient and to generate so little heat that it does not
need a fan, allowing us to make the drive as compact and light-
weight––and quiet––as possible.
Q: Why is the capacity of my drive as shown in Windows or
Mac OS lower than the Drive’s actual stated capacity?
A: The difference is mostly due to the different way in which
Windows and Mac operating systems typically measure hard
drive capacity, as compared to the method used by hard drive
manufacturers. Hard drive manufacturers have always used the
decimal (base 10) method, where 1GB = 1,000 MB = 1,000,000 KB =
