Specifications

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SP-3 SCSI Interface Manual
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Getting the Best Performance from your SCSI Storage Device
There are things you can do to keep your SCSI Storage Device nmning at top speed. The speed of
a SCSI Storage Device is very dependent upon how quickly it can locate the information
contained in a file and transfer it to the device that has requested it. SCSI Storage Devices can be
very fast, but there are things you can do to optimize their performance and keep them moving
as fast as possible.
The main problem to avoid is disk fragmentation, which is a condition that occurs when files
become broken into separate parts spread out over different areas of the disk. The SCSI Storage
Device will have to move its heads frequently to find the various pieces of the file, and this slows
down loading. The condition develops gradually as files are saved, erased, replaced with new
versions of different sizes and so on. The SCSI Storage Device tries to use the disk efficiently by
filling in gaps when they are found, but eventually this results in fragmentation. The following
are techniques you can use to minimize fragmentation, and procedures that will eliminate it.
l Once you format your SCSI Storage Device, it is strongly suggested that you create all your
sub-directories before you save any files to prevent the disk from becoming unnecessarily
fragmented.
l Only save finished work to your SCSI Storage Device. Deleting files and replacing them
causes the disk to become fragmented. Work on your files using a floppy, then save it to the
SCSI Storage Device when it is complete.
l If the disk becomes fragmented, the files will take a longer time to load because parts of a
single file may be located in a number of places on the disk rather than in a contiguous block.
The more fragmented a SCSI Storage Device (or file) gets, the longer it will take to load.
Advice About Using SCSI Storage Devices
Your SCSI Storage Device is an extremely valuable and fragile piece of sensitive computer
equipment. Be especially careful when transporting your SCSI Storage Device to avoid shocks,
temperature and humidity extremes, and proximity to magnetic fields. Be careful about static
discharges when handling and connecting your SCSI Storage Device. Do not move or bump your
SCSI Storage Device while it is
running. Read the owner’s manual that came with it for
additional advice.
To avoid big disappointment later, the most important thing is to keep your files backed up.
Always save files you care about in two places, with one of them being a floppy disk. The floppy
will serve as your backup in case your SCSI Storage Device goes on an unexpected vacation,
which they sometimes like to do. Everyone who works with SCSI Storage Devices is eventually
faced with the big crash. Be prepared.’ Have fun, enjoy the convenience and speed but be
realistic about the reliability. Always assume that it will break when you least expect it.
The next most important thing is to understand and use Macros and Banks effectively. They
allow you to minimize the confusion that can occur when managing large amounts of
information with limited ability to see the big picture.
Try to form a mental image of your directory structure, and use the system logically. It is a m
good idea to keep a written record of where your files are on your SCSI Storage Device, including
the directory structure. As you add or delete files, update your written record as well. This will
help prevent your “losing” a file because you can’t remember what directory it is in.
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ENSONIQ ASR-10 Version 3 Operating System