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IDEREAD.TXT
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1991-10-24
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This README file of IDE286.ZIP accompanies IDE.OBJ and IDE.DSK for NetWare
v2.x. The following files are included for this revision:
IDE OBJ 5826 10-17-91 4:55p
IDE DSK 963 10-22-91 4:03p
INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS:
Format a DOS diskette and use the DOS label command to label it "DSK_DRV_030"
(without the quote marks). Next, copy the entire contents of the .ZIP file
to this diskette.
NOTES:
Several people have asked questions about the new IDE driver. Here are some
of the questions and answers:
1. Q. What drives does the IDE driver support?
A. Most IDE/ATA drives.
2. Q. Does the IDE driver support the IBM Model 35 and Model 40 in a file
server configuration?
A. Yes, if the system has the changes from IBM ECA# ECA087 implemented
(at least new FRU P/N 92F0140.)
3. Q. Does this driver fix the problem that ISADISK had with "user
definable" drive types?
A. Yes. The ISADISK driver used the INT41 and INT46 vectors to find the
location of the drive or ROM parameter table. ISADISK would abend if
the pointer to the table was below segment C800. BIOSes which support
UD drive types typically put the table below C800:. For example, AMI
and some other BIOS manufacturers use address 0300. The IDE driver
queries the drives for drive information. It does not use the ROM-
BIOS services.
4. Q. Given that the IDE driver obtains drive information from the drives,
will Ztest create problems?
A. No. Since the drive parameters are located in sectors inaccessible
to a write command, Ztest cannot write over them.
5. Q. How should the user set up his IDE/ATA drives if he is using the IDE
driver?
A. A BIOS drive type is necessary in two cases: 1) a drive will have a
DOS partition or 2) a drive will be used to cold boot NetWare. In the
second case, the user may select any type that is the same capacity
or nearly the same, but not more. In the first case, the best
definition would be an exact definition. However, a definition which
matches heads, sectors per track and has fewer than or equal to the
actual cylinders would suffice.
6. Q. Does the IDE driver support multiple paddleboards?
A. Yes, two paddleboards. However, the paddleboards must be designed
with jumpers to configure IRQ and Base I/O (primary I/O 1F0h and IRQ
14, secondary I/O 170h and IRQ 11, 12 or 15). The set-up would be
analogous to any other dual controller AT configuration. The IDE
driver must be selected and configured for both channels. It will
find all drives when it initializes. The drive/s attached to the
secondary paddleboard will not be defined by the machine's CMOS.
7. Q. Does the IDE driver address the problem of data verification on the
extended AT bus (40 pin cable which connects the paddleboard or system
board to the IDE/ATA drives)?
A. Yes. In the VERIFY ON mode, it will read and compare data to ensure
integrity across the cables. The cost is performance. With verify
ON, performance will be degraded significantly. Mirroring drives on
a single paddleboard will not improve integrity because the cable in
question is common to both drives. With drives mirrored (duplexed)
on separate paddleboards, an intermediate level of data integrity
would be achieved without the speed penalty of setting verify ON.
8. Q. Will all paddleboards work in my system?
A. No. It has been noted that some paddleboards will not work in some
machines, and some drives will not work with some paddleboards. Refer
to your hardware manufacturer or system integrator for recommended
configurations.
The following limitations should be noted:
* The drive type number reported by the INSTALL program is generated by
the IDE disk driver at initialization time and is useful only to the
NetWare operating system.
* The IDE disk driver will not work with other ISA bus controllers (i.e.
ST506/412 and ESDI). The IDE/ATA, ST506, and ESDI interfaces look
similar to the system software, however, they are handled differently
by the disk driver.
* The VERIFY ON option uses significant processor resources. It should
not be used with other processor-intensive options, such as mirroring
or Macintosh VAPs, due to possible adverse effects.
*****************************************************************
DISCLAIMER
Novell, Inc. makes no representations or warranties with respect to
any NetWare software, and specifically disclaims any express or
implied warranties of merchantability, title, or fitness for a
particular purpose.
Distribution of any NetWare software is forbidden without the
express written consent of Novell, Inc. Further, Novell reserves
the right to discontinue distribution of any NetWare software.
Novell is not responsible for lost profits or revenue, loss of use
of the software, loss of data, costs of re-creating lost data, the
cost of any substitute equipment or program, or claims by any party
other than you. Novell strongly recommends a backup be made before
any software is installed. Technical support for this software
may be provided at the discretion of Novell.
*****************************************************************