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- HOW TO HANDLE DISKETTES
-
- Floppy disks are constructed of mylar material, coated with a
- magnetic oxide and enclosed in a square jacket. They are probably
- the main cause of failure in any computer system. Almost all
- failure of diskettes is caused by user mishandling.
-
- Proper diskette handling is essential to the reliable operation of
- your computer system. If you follow the rules presented in this
- chapter, you can eliminate about 75% of all the failures that
- might happen with floppy disks.
-
-
- When handling diskettes, try to remember the following:
-
- 1- There are eight ways to insert a diskette in the disk drive.
- All of them are wrong but one which is the correct way. Any
- wrong insertion of the diskette in the disk drive may cause
- damage to the data stored on the diskette. It is a good idea to
- print labels that display a large arrow on each disk indicating
- the proper way to insert the diskette in the drive.
-
- 2- Always remove the diskette prior to turning the system Off. If
- the computer is turned off while the diskette still in the disk
- drive, random data may by written onto the diskette thus wiping
- out some of its contents.
-
- 3- If the diskette contains a new program that you just received
- or valuable data that you just saved, the first thing you
- should do is to make a back up copy and to file the original
- away in a safe place.
-
- 4- Use write protect tabs on all your program diskettes. This will
- prevent accidental erasure of information on your program disk.
- Always use blank diskettes for your data storage rather than
- your program disks.
-
- 5- Backup is one of the important defensive tools when using
- diskettes. Always assume at some point that the data contained
- on the diskettes will be damaged. As soon as a significant
- change is made on the diskette, a copy should be created and
- stored in a safe location.
-
- 6- Don't touch the magnetic surfaces of the diskettes with your
- fingers or any sharp objects.
-
- 7- Don't fold or bend a diskette.
-
- 8- Don't expose the diskette to any source of magnetic or
- electrostatic field. Data may damaged or wiped out entirely if
- a strong magnetic or electrostatic field is applied to a
- diskette.
-
- 9- Keep magnetized objects such as screwdrivers or paper clips
- away from your diskettes.
-
- 8- Do not put your phone on the top of diskettes. Data may be
- destroyed if the phone rings.
-
- 11-Do not stack more than 15 diskettes the top of each other
- horizontally. Diskettes should be stored in a protective
- envelope (sleeve). Leaving diskettes lying flat without
- sleeves is an invitation to dust and dirt. Dust accumulating
- on diskettes may scratch the disk surface and damage the stored
- data.
-
- 12-Do not leave the computer without backing up your diskettes.
-
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