Seagate Backup Plus - Page 15

Oponal Formang and Paroning
Seagate Backup Plus Hub is available in two models, Windows and Mac. The Windows model is formatted as
NTFS while the Mac model is formatted as Mac OS extended (Journaled), also known as HFS+. While Mac OS
X can read hard drives formatted as NTFS, write access is not available. Windows cannot read or write to
hard drives formatted as Mac OS extended (Journaled).
While it is highly recommended that users purchase the model targeted for their computer operating
systems, there are drivers for Windows and Mac that can provide compatibility with any Backup Plus Hub.
To use your Backup Plus Hub with computers that have another operating system, download and install the
Paragon driver. For more information, go to Paragon driver.
About file system formats
NTFS: since it is the native file system for Windows, volumes created in NTFS are read and write with
computers running Windows. Mac OS can read and write to NTFS volumes with the help of the Paragon
driver for Mac.
Mac OS Extended (HFS+): the native hard drive file system for Mac. Windows users can read and write to
HFS+ (journaled) hard drives by installing the Paragon driver for Windows.
exFAT: generally compatible with Mac and Windows. exFAT is not a journaled file system which means it can
be more susceptible to data corruption when errors occur or the drive is not disconnected properly from
the computer.
FAT32: compatible with Mac and Windows. However, FAT32 is a legacy file system designed for low
capacity hard drives and it is not recommended for modern hard drives or operating systems. A FAT32
partition can reach up to 32GB when formatted on a Windows PC.
How to choose the file system format
Use NTFS if:
…the storage device is connected to Windows PCs. Install the Paragon driver for Mac for compatibility with
Macs.
Use HFS+ if:
…the storage device is connected to Macs. Install the Paragon driver for Windows for compatibility with
Windows PCs.
You can use exFAT if:
…the storage device is shared between Mac and Windows computers. However, Seagate recommends
installing the Paragon driver when sharing hard drives between operating systems.
Use FAT32 if:
…the storage device is connected to older Windows and Mac computers. FAT32 is not recommended for
modern operating systems and computers.
Formang instrucons
15Seagate Backup Plus Hub
12/12/16