In a message dated 4/1/02 12:15:35 AM, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes:
<< Could you elaborate a little more on the meaning of "low level" and on "zero the HD" ? Is that just another way of saying, initialize, i.e. erase? >> 1) A quick initialization "rewrites" certain blocks which allow the drive to be recognized by the MacOS, but assumes that all other blocks and certain drive capacity data is good. 2) A low level initialization performs a "format write" of every block on the drive, checks that these blocks are good, updated drive capacity data, if necessary, and then proceeds with (1); the data written during the format write operation is usually a special pattern which enhances checking for bad blocks, often X'FC'. 3) A low level initialization with zeroing the hard drive does (2), then all blocks are rewritten to X'00' and, finally, proceeds with (1). -- Quadlist is sponsored by <http://lowendmac.com/> and... Small Dog Electronics http://www.smalldog.com | Enter To Win A | -- Canon PowerShot Digital Cameras start at $299 | Free iBook! | Support Low End Mac <http://lowendmac.com/lists/support.html> Quadlist info: <http://lowendmac.com/lists/quadlist.shtml> The FAQ: <http://macfaq.org/> Send list messages to: <mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To unsubscribe, email: <mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]> For digest mode, email: <mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Subscription questions: <mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Archive: <http://www.mail-archive.com/quadlist%40mail.maclaunch.com/> Using a Mac? Free email & more at Applelinks! http://www.applelinks.com
