New SyQuest Utilities and Layoffs -- SyQuest Technology has released, without fanfare, version 4.0.1 of SyQuest Utilities. (Is there a good reason why SyQuest can't be bothered to notify registered customers of these things?) Those who were previously mired in La Cie's Silverlining Lite can now take advantage of SyQuest's own driver and control panel interface, which is cleaner, easier, and better documented, plus has additional options and features.

<ftp://ftp.syquest.com/pub/drivers/misc/mac/ SyQuest%20Utilities.hqx>

Here's an upgrade procedure that worked reliably for my SyJet. With extensions off, install the control panel, which automatically disables Silverlining Lite. Restart, and for each SyJet cartridge, do the following: Back up the data, and initialize the cartridge, which will instantly erase it and install the new driver. (If you cannot back up, press Option and use Update instead.) For each tab of the control panel, click Use Defaults (unless you have a clear reason for other options), and choose Save Settings. Now verify the cartridge - medium level should do. This takes about an hour, and can mend most bad blocks - my cartridges had several; it should not harm the data. Finally, if you backed up the data, restore it.

Unfortunately, SyQuest recently announced layoffs off 950 employees worldwide and a halt to manufacturing in its Fremont, California facilities, along with other cost-cutting moves, due to a massive restructuring aimed at improving the company's health. [MAN]

<http://www.syquest.com/press/1998/pr080698.html>