Jaz Frequently Asked Questions
This page is sponsored by Nevada Technical Associates. We are retailers
of the Jaz drive and other Iomega products. We can be reached at
702-564-2798 or by email at
nta@ntanet.net
This information is taken from literature provided by Iomega Corporation
and applied originally to the 1 GB Jaz. As of March, 1999, the 1 GB is
no longer sold and has been replaced by the 2 GB Jaz. The specifications
of the 2 GB Jaz should be at least as good as the 1 Gb Jaz. Much of the
information below is probably still valid, but should be used with
caution.
1. What configurations are available(IDE, SCSI, Internal, External)?
The drive will initially come in two Fast SCSI II versions, an Insider
3 1/2 inch model and a Portable (external) model.
2. What is the suggested retail price for the drive and disks?
Please check our prices at the link given at the bottom of this
page.
3. What type of Technology does it use?
- Jaz technology is based on Winchester hard disk technology but has built
in enhancements from Iomega to provide removability, increased performance and reliability.
4. What are the products features and benefits?
- Faster than most hard drives
- Provides 1 GB of disk space on each compact cartridge
- Portable - goes where you go
- Ideal for multimedia applications
- Easy backup solution for networks and large files
- Eliminates the need to ever upgrade your hard drive again
5. What operating systems are supported?
The drive includes software drivers to support either DOS(version 4.x
or greater), Windows (3.x), Windows 95 (1.x) or Macintosh OS (7.x). OS/2
drivers are also available from Iomega (OS/2 ver. 2.x or greater). Other
operating systems such as Windows NT, Unix and Netware are also compatible,
Iomega has technical documents available describing Jaz support for other
operating systems.
6. Is a Jaz disk included?
The Jaz drive no longer ships with a Jaz disks. A CD-ROM with the
software is included.
7. Which SCSI adaptors can be used?
For best compatibility and performance we suggest using Iomega SCSI
adaptors, such as the Jaz Jet PCI SCSI adaptor. In addition, the drive
is compatible with most ASPI compatible SCSI adaptors and drivers. We also
plan to have an external parallel port SCSI adaptor available for the Jaz
drive.
8. Is the Jaz drive bootable?
The Jaz drive can be used as the computers boot disk if configured
properly. Normally the drive must be set to SCSI ID 0 and the SCSI adaptor
must have a bootable BIOS. For example, the Jaz Jet PCI SCSI adaptor is
a bootable adaptor.
9. What computers are supported?
IBM PC and compatibles (386 or greater) and Macintosh (SE or greater).
Other computer systems with a SCSI interface may also be compatible. Iomega
has technical documents available regarding other systems that are
compatible.
10. Can I use a DOS disk in a Macintosh and vice versa?
The Jaz drive, when connected to a Macintosh, can read and write DOS,
Windows and Windows 95 formatted disks using Apple's PC Exchange program
(2.0 or greater). There are a number of third party vendors that offer
software packages that will allow Macintosh Jaz disks to be accessed in DOS
and Windows systems.
11. Can the Jaz drive be used as a network shared device?
Yes, if the proper network drivers are used (example: Adaptec SCSI adaptors
with Adaptec's Network drivers). The drive can also be used to backup the
server when connected to a workstation on the network without any special
drivers.
12. General Product description
Portable - The Portable Jaz is a small dark green external drive that has
two 50 pin high density Fast SCSI-II connectors. SCSI ID select switch (0
-7), on/off switch, and an external power supply (brick). It also includes
SCSI cable, 25 - 50 HD converter, Jaz Tools disk, and floppy disks for both
DOS/Windows/Windows 95 systems and Macintosh systems.
Insider - The insider Jaz is a 3 1/2 inch drive that will mount in any
standard 3 1/2 inch bay. A 5 1/4 inch mounting kit, 50 pin ribbon cable,
Jaz Tools disk, floppy disks for DOS/Windows/Windows 95 systems and
Macintosh systems are included.
13. What software is bundled with Jaz?
The Jaz drive comes with a group of cool software utilities that allow
the user to copy, backup, protect, format, catalog, and diagnose their Jaz
product. Also included is Jaz Guest, a SCSI software driver that allows the
Jaz drive to be easily accessed without installing permanent software
drivers.
14. How long is the SCSI cable included with the Portable Jaz
drive?
The cable is 5 feet long.
15. Can the Jaz drive be connected to a sampling Synthesizer that has
a SCSI connection?
Yes. However, the Jaz Tools disk may not be able to be formatted by the
Synthesizers operating system (SCSI command 04h is required). Iomega will
swap the Jaz Tools disk for a regular Jaz disk (which can be formatted) upon
request.
16. How is the Jaz drive different than other removable hard disks?
At introduction, Jaz is the world's largest and fastest removable drive
system.
17. What is the access time of the Jaz?
The access time is 17 msec. The average transfer rate is 5.5 MB/sec.
18. What voltage does the Jaz require?
The Jaz has an automatic switchable power supply and will accept
either American or European voltage without any other adapter.