Abstract: A disk drive having a passive slider exhibiting two fly heights, one for recording and reading operations and a second for idling. The disk drive has a magnetic recording surface set for rotation in a direction. A transducer carrier is radially positionable relative to the magnetic recording surface and can be moved between recording portions and idling portions of the annular surface. In the idling zone the surface includes a plurality of shallow depressions disposed in an annular zone. The depressions are generally trench like. The orientation of the depressions depends on the type carrier for the transducer. If oriented transversely to the direction of rotation of the magnetic recording surface, they will boost pressure under the carrier increasing or introducing spacing between the body and the carrier. Where the carrier has an air bearing surface including regions creating zones of relatively negative pressure, the depressions are grooves paralleling the direction of rotation of the disk.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for estimating the time needed to install software. Configuration information about the data processing system is obtained, as well as information about data needing conversion that is stored on the system. The stand-alone installation time for each portion of the software to be installed is determined and a menu of the installation options is displayed for selection. In response to the selection of options, a determination of whether the installation will be non-linear is made. Non-linear installation involves the ability to install several portions of the software simultaneously, such as in, for example, multiprocessing, multithreading, or parallel processing. In response to a presence of non-linear processing, installation time is determined for the selected options and displayed to the user.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for estimating the time needed to install software. Configuration information about the data processing system is obtained, as well as information about data needing conversion that is stored on the system. The stand-alone installation time for each portion of the software to be installed is determined and a menu of the installation options is displayed for selection. In response to the selection of options, a determination of whether the installation will be non-linear is made. Non-linear installation involves the ability to install several portions of the software simultaneously, such as in, for example, multiprocessing, multithreading, or parallel processing. In response to a presence of non-linear processing, installation time is determined for the selected options and displayed to the user.