What is S.M.A.R.T.? =============== ...from: http://pcmag.com/article2/0,1895,1879485,00.asp
By Bruno Sonnino 10.31.05
S.M.A.R.T. (Self-Monitoring Analysis and Reporting Technology) is a technology, developed by major hard disk manufacturers, included in most modern hard disks. This technology monitors and logs many events while the disk is running. Analyzing the data allows us to know the drive's reliability and predict its [possible] failure.
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When we talk about failures, we must differentiate between two types: predictable and non-predictable. Predictable failures are those that don't happen suddenly, they can be caused by failure in the disk mechanics or damaged disk surface. The problem gets worse, until the disk crashes. Non-predictable are those failures caused by sudden events, like a sudden power surge or an electronic failure. S.M.A.R.T. can only help to detect predictable failures.
How does this help me? ================= There are two ways of checking your ATA drive's S.M.A.R.T. status (Note: S.M.A.R.T. is not currently available on fireware, USB, or SCSI connections. For more information, see the SMARTReporter documentation listed below.): use Apple's Disk Utility or use a freeware utility called SMARTReporter.
If you launch Apple's Disk Utility it will automatically check the S.M.A.R.T. information and report on it.
SMARTReporter is a freeware utility that will launch on log in and periodically (every 60 minues by default) check your ATA drive's S.M.A.R.T. information. SMARTReporter puts in icon into the menu bar: green drive, OK; grey drive, S.M.A.R.T. info is non-deterministic of drive status; red drive, S.M.A.R.T. status shows drive may fail shortly - back up information and report problem to drive manufacturer. SMARTReporter can also be configured to send an email message to an address you specify indicating a problem may be about to occur.
Regardless of which utility you use, if the S.M.A.R.T. information indicates a possible failure, the drive's manufacturer should replace any on warranty drives.
Apple's Disk Utility can be found on any OS X installation in the Macintosh HD:Applications:Utility folder. The latest version of SMARTReporter along with documentation and a FAQ list can be downloaded from: http://homepage.mac.com/julianmayer/