Q: What type of computer do I need to use an AcomData E5 Hard Drive?
A: AcomData External Hard Drives work on most Windows PCs and Macintosh computers.

E5 Drives equipped with USB 2.0 and/or FireWire connections:
• PC with a minimum 233 MHz Pentium (or equivalent processor, such as Celeron, AMD etc.), running Windows 98SE, ME, 2000, or XP.
• Mac with G3 or later processor, running Mac OS 9 and Mac OS X.

E5 SATA Drives:
• PC with a minimum 233 MHz Pentium (or equivalent processor, such as Celeron, AMD etc.), running Windows XP, 2000 and Server 2003.
• Mac with G3 or later processor, running Mac OS X.

PushButton™ Backup is compatible with Windows XP, 2000, Me, 98SE and Mac OS X v.10.2 and later.

USB Connectivity:
In order to use a USB connection you will need either an available USB 2.0 or USB 1.1 port. The port can be built-in to the computer, located on an expansion card, or on a USB hub. If using a USB 1.1 port, the Drive will operate at USB 1.1 speeds (up to 12 Mbps).

FireWire Connectivity:
In order to use a FireWire connection you will need an available 6-pin FireWire port. You can connect a Drive to a 9-in or 4-pin port (common on laptops), however you will need a 9-pin to 6-in or a 4-pin to 6-pin cable (sold separately).

SATA Connectivity:
E5 SATA Drives connect to your computer via the supplied SATA PCI card that you install into your computer. The card provides both interface and power connections. You'll need a free PCI or PCI-X expansion slot.


Q: Can I use my Drive on two computers at the same time?
A: No. The Drive can only 'talk' to one computer at a time. If you connect the Drive to two computers, you may damage the Drive and/or your computers.


Q: Do I have to format my Drive prior to using it?
A: No. All AcomData Drives come pre-formatted at the factory with the FAT32 file system, making them compatible with all supported Windows and Mac operating systems right out of the box.


Q: Can I re-format my AcomData Drive with another file system?
A: Yes, you can re-format your AcomData Drive with another file system, such as NTFS and Mac OS Extended (HFS+). The User's Guide contains complete formatting instructions.


Q: Can I format the Drive for use on multiple operating systems?
A: All AcomData Drives come pre-formatted at the factory with the FAT32 file system, making them compatible with all supported Windows and Mac operating systems right out of the box. For full instructions on how to re-format your Drive, including for use on multiple operating systems, refer to your User's Guide.


Q: What is the difference between FAT32 and NTFS?
A: FAT32 is an older and more compatible file system but it has certain limitations, such as file size (maximum 4 GB). NTFS is more secure and has fewer limitations. The NTFS file system can only be used on Windows 2000 and XP. If you plan to use your Drive on Windows 2000 and/or XP only, you may want to consider re-formatting the Drive using the NTFS files system. If you plan to use the Drive on a Mac OS only, and you do not need Windows compatibility, you may want to consider re-formatting the Drive using a Mac OS Extended file system. Refer to the User's Guide for instructions.


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 backup 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: 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: If your Drive is NOT equipped with PushButton Backup, it is possible to use it as a startup disk on Mac if using a FireWire connection. If you wish to use your Drive as a startup disk, make sure you install the Mac OS on the Drive before saving any data to the Drive (follow the instructions in your Mac OS manual). Drives with PushButton Backup cannot be used as startup disks. Windows does not support using external hard drives as boot volumes.


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 lightweight––and quiet––as possible.


Q; Do I need drivers for my AcomData External Hard Drive?
A: For USB 2.0 on Windows 98SE, you will need to install the USB 2.0 driver found on the supplied USB 2.0 Installation CD. All other supported operating systems have the necessary USB 2.0 driver built in, with the exception of Mac OS 9, which supports USB 1 but not USB 2.0. You can connect the Drive to a USB 1.1 port, but it will operate at USB 1.1 speeds (up to 12 Mbps). Depending on your operating system, you may need to download an update from the OS manufacturer. Refer to the User's Guide for details.

For SATA Drives, Windows users will need to install the software included on the supplied CD.


Q: What is USB 2.0?
USB (Universal Serial Bus) is an interface technology for the serial transmission of digital data. The original standard (USB 1) could transmit data at speeds of up to 12 Mbps (Megabits per second), which equals 1.5 MB/s (Megabytes per second). USB 2.0 has a maximum throughput of 480 Mbps (60 MB/s) – up to 40 times faster than USB 1. At that speed it is possible to transfer a full GB (Gigabyte) of data in less than 18 seconds.

USB is a master-slave, host-based technology, meaning USB devices need to be connected to a computer, either directly or indirectly via a USB hub in order to communicate with each other. The computer dictates data flow to, from, and between attached USB devices. While 480 Mbps is the maximum speed, data transfer rates will vary depending on a number of factors, including available CPU resources.

The USB standard supports up to 127 devices. Connecting more than one or two USB devices to a computer typically requires the use of one or more hubs, where each hub can accommodate several USB devices.

The maximum allowable length of a USB cable is 5 m (16.4 ft.). USB can supply on-bus power of up to 2.5 W. This means that many low-power-consumption devices, such as flash card readers do not need to be plugged into an electrical outlet because they can get sufficient power via the USB cable. More power-hungry devices, such as hard drives, still require a separate electrical connection for power.

USB is a plug-and-play and hot-swappable technology. You do not need to assign ID numbers, or connect terminators. On most operating system you do not need to install drivers because the necessary drivers are built into the operating system. Devices can be added and removed while the computer is running. Also, you can turn off the device when not needed, in order to conserve electricity.


Q: What is FireWire?
FireWire is a serial data input/output technology developed by Apple Computer and Texas Instruments. The first FireWire standard was approved by the Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers (IEEE) in 1995.

FireWire 400 can transmit data at up to 400 Mbps (50 MB/s). FireWire 800 can transmit data at up to 800 Mbps (100 MB/s). FireWire supports both isochronous and asynchronous data transfers. Isochronous mode provides guaranteed transmission of data at defined intervals; it’s used when delayed or out-of-order data frames are unacceptable, such as for capturing digital video. In asynchronous mode the intervals between transmissions can vary, and data can be resent if missed. Asynchronous mode is typically used for routine data transfers.

FireWire devices can be linked in a daisy-chain, where the devices are connected to each other in series. A hub is only required when a very large number of devices will share the same FireWire bus. With the use of FireWire hubs, up to 63 devices can be linked on a single FireWire bus.

FireWire devices are host-independent, meaning data transmissions between FireWire devices on the same bus can take place without the need for input from the host computer. This lack of dependence on the host is one of the reasons FireWire devices are on average faster than USB 2.0 devices in routine day-to-day use, even though the rated maximum data transfer is lower than that for USB 2.0.

Standard FireWire 400 cables use 6-pin connectors at both ends. FireWire 800 cables use 9-pin connectors. Cables with 4-pin connectors are also available for connecting FireWire devices to laptop/notebook computers and other devices that have 4-pin ports.

FireWire can supply up to 45 W of electrical power, making it possible to use many low-power-consumption devices without a dedicated electrical connection. (FireWire cables with 4-pin connectors cannot transmit electrical power.) When a device is powered via FireWire, power is delivered only when actually needed.

You do not need to install drivers, assign unique ID numbers, or connect terminators.

FireWire devices can be connected to or disconnected from the computer while the computer is running. Always dismount a hard drive before turning off and disconnecting it.


Q: What's faster, USB 2.0 or FireWire?
A: As with so many questions about technology, the answer to that question is not a simple one. USB 2.0 and FireWire are very similar in many respects, but there are definite differences.

At first glance it would appear that USB 2.0 (480 Mbps) is indeed faster than FireWire (400 Mbps). However, this is only true under ideal conditions. While 480 Mbps is the maximum speed achievable, USB 2.0 cannot guarantee a specified data transfer rate. This is mainly because USB 2.0 is a master-slave, host-dependent technology, meaning it relies on your computer's CPU to facilitate and manage data transfers.

FireWire (IEEE 1394x), on the other hand, is a peer-to-peer technology that does not require CPU resources to facilitate data transfers between FireWire devices. Moreover, FireWire devices can guarantee real-time delivery of data at a specific rate. Real time data delivery is necessary for certain applications, such as digital video streaming where dropped or delayed data packets is unacceptable. This is why devices like digital camcorders have 1394 interfaces, and why FireWire is the interface of choice for digital video editing applications.

For day-to-day hard drive use, USB 2.0 and FireWire will have comparable performance though FireWire will probably have a slight performance edge, which can make a difference if you are performing tasks that require large, frequent data transfers.


Q: Can I connect an AcomData Drive to a USB or FireWire expansion card?
A: Yes, but you may need to update the software/firmware for the card. We recommend you check with the card’s manufacturer for the latest updates.


Q: If I have both USB 2.0 and FireWire on my computer, which one should I use?
A: USB 2.0 and FireWire are very similar in many respects, but there are definite differences.

At first glance it would appear that USB 2.0 is faster than FireWire (480 Mbps vs. 400 Mbps). However, this is only true under ideal conditions. While 480 Mbps is the maximum speed achievable, USB 2.0 cannot guarantee a specified data transfer rate. This is mainly because USB 2.0 is a master-slave, host-dependent technology, meaning it relies on your computer's CPU to facilitate and manage data transfers.

FireWire (IEEE 1394), on the other hand, is a peer-to-peer technology that does not require CPU resources to facilitate data transfers. This allows FireWire devices to guarantee real-time delivery of data at a specific rate. Real time data delivery is necessary for certain applications, such as digital video streaming where dropped or delayed data packets is unacceptable. This is why devices like digital camcorders have 1394 interfaces, and why FireWire is the interface of choice for digital video editing applications.

For day-to-day hard drive use, USB 2.0 and FireWire will have comparable performance though FireWire will probably have a slight performance edge. So, if you have both USB 2.0 and FireWire available with your computer system, you will probably want to use the FireWire interface of your Drive, especially if you plan to do digital video editing.


Q: Can I use the USB 2.0 and FireWire connections at the same time?
A: No. You can only use one connection at a time.


Q.: My Drive has two FireWire ports. Why is this so, and which one should I use?
A: There are two FireWire ports so that you can connect another FireWire device to the Drive in a FireWire daisy-chain. Daisy-chaining is a way of connecting devices directly to each other in series, one after the other, rather than to a hub (as with USB). If you will not be connecting another FireWire device to your AcomData Drive, one FireWire port on the Drive will remain unused, which is perfectly fine. It does not matter which port you use to connect the Drive to your computer. Furthermore, if you connect another FireWire device to your AcomData Drive, it does not matter which FireWire cable is plugged into which port.


Q: Why doesn't the FireWire cable fit my FireWire port?
A: The supplied FireWire cable uses either 6-pin or 9-pin connectors 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 SATA?
A: SATA stand for Serial ATA. As the name implies, SATA is a serial implementation of the common ATA interface. Before SATA, all ATA interfaces used for internal hard drives used parallel signaling, which is why these interfaces were also known as "PATA."

Parallel ATA technology has served computers well for about two decades. However, increasingly faster hard disk transfer rates have forced the ATA interface specification to be continuously updated to avoid becoming the limiting factor in disk I/O performance.

At the same time, popular applications––such as digital video creation and editing, digital audio storage and playback, file sharing over high-speed networks, and other data intensive applications––are placing greater and greater demands on hard drive performance.

Ultra ATA, an enhancement of the original parallel ATA interface, was created as a result, and it became the standard for years. However, continued increases in demands for faster performance has necessitated a need for a storage interconnect that goes beyond even Ultra ATA.

SATA architecture overcomes the electrical constraints that limited performance enhancements of the classic parallel ATA bus. SATA not only offers higher data rates, but also smaller cables and connectors, and lower voltage signals. These advantages have allowed ATA technology to be applied to external hard drives. In addition, SATA can be scaled to accommodate system needs for increasing storage capacity and performance over the coming years.

SATA offers a bandwidth of 1.5 Gigabits per second. With an 8b/10b encoding scheme, the 1.5 Gbps bandwidth results in a maximum interface transfer rate of 150 Megabytes/sec.


Q: Can the Drive be placed in either the horizontal or the vertical position?
A: Yes, you can place the drive in either position. The Drive comes pre-assembled with a zinc alloy stand for vertical placement. If you wish to place the Drive horizontally, you can remove the stand and attach the supplied rubber feet. See the User's Guide for detailed instructions.


Q: Why doesn't the Drive need a fan?
A: Efficient dissipation of heat generated by a hard drive's internal components is important for reliability and long life. The enclosure of AcomData's E5 Hard Drive has been engineered to be so efficient at dissipating internal heat that it does not need a fan. Aside from consuming less electricity, the added benefit is virtually silent operation.


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 = 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 systems 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 more than one Drive with PushButton Backup on the same computer?
A: While you can connect more than one PushButton-enabled Drive to a computer, you can only use the PushButton on the first Drive you installed. However, if the Button Backup Script is set to run Backups, and you need additional storage capacity for your backups, you can add additional Drives (whether they have a PushButton or not) to the Backup Set and continue to run the backups via the PushButton on the first Drive.


Q: What’s the difference between Retrospect Express and other versions of Retrospect?
A: The Retrospect Express software bundled with your AcomData Drive offers the same powerful features as other versions of Retrospect, except its use is limited to one desktop or laptop computer. Furthermore, the Retrospect Express software bundled with your AcomData Drive was specially designed for AcomData PushButton Backup. The PushButton Backup function will not work with other versions of Retrospect.


Q: Do I have to install Retrospect Express or the AcomData PushButton Manager to use my AcomData Drive?
A: You only need to install Retrospect Express and the AcomData PushButton Manager if you want to use PushButton Backups. You can also perform backups the traditional way (without PushButton) by installing Retrospect Express but not the AcomData PushButton Manager. In this case, to run backups you would launch Retrospect Express from your desktop and use the on-screen interface.


Q: I already had Retrospect installed on my computer before I purchased my AcomData Drive. Can I use this version rather than the version bundled with the Drive to perform backups?
A: PushButton Backup will only work with the Retrospect Express bundled with your AcomData Drive. This is because the software was specially configured to work specifically with PushButton Backup. However, you can use a previously installed version of Retrospect to back up data to your AcomData drive using the Retrospect user interface rather than the PushButton. If you plan to keep using your previous version of Retrospect, do not install the Retrospect Express or PushButton Backup software bundled with the AcomData Drive.


Q: Will the Retrospect Express bundled with the AcomData Drive recognize Backup Sets that were created with an earlier version of Retrospect?
A: The Retrospect Express software bundled with your Drive will be able to utilize Backup Sets that were created with other versions of Retrospect. There is one exception: Retrospect Express 6.0 for Mac will be able to read Backup Sets created on Retrospect version 5.1 on the Mac but it will not be able to write to these Backup Sets.