Proper diskette care and usage

                     Proper Diskette and Care Usage


  1.  Never leave diskettes in the drive, as the data can leak out of
      the disk and corrode the inner mechanics of the drive.  Diskettes
      should be rolled up and stored in pencil holders.

  2.  Diskettes should be cleaned and waxed once a week.  Microscopic
      metal particles may be removed by waving a powerful magnet over
      the surface of the disk.  Any stubborn metal shavings can be
      removed with scouring powder and steel wool.  When waxing a
      diskette, make sure the surface is even.  This will allow the
      diskette to spin faster, resulting in better access time.

  3.  Do not fold diskettes unless they do not fit into the drive.
      "Big" Diskettes may be folded and used in "Little" drives.

  4.  Never insert a diskette into the drive upside down.  The data can
      fall off the surface of the disk and jam the intricate mechanics
      of the drive.

  5.  Diskettes cannot be backed up by running them through a photo
      copy machine.  If your data is going to need to be backed up,
      simply insert TWO diskettes into your drive.  Whenever you update
      a document, the data will be written onto both disks.  A handy
      tip for more legible backup copies:  Keep a container of iron
      filings at your desk.  When you need to make two copies, sprinkle
      iron filings liberally between the diskettes before inserting
      them into the drive.

  6.  Diskettes should not be removed or inserted from the drive while
      the red light is on or flashing.  Doing so could result in
      smeared or possibly unreadable text.  Occasionally, the red light
      remains flashing in what is known as a "hung" or "hooked" state.
      If your system is hooking, you will probably need to insert a few
      coins before being allowed to access the slot.

  7.  If your diskette is full and needs more storage space, remove the
      disk from the drive and shake vigorously for two minutes.  This
      will pack the data enough (data compression) to allow for more
      storage.  Be sure to cover all openings with scotch tape to
      prevent loss of data.

  8.  Data access time may be greatly improved by cutting more holes in
      the diskette jacket.  This will provide more simultaneous access
      points to the disk.

  9.  Periodically spray diskettes with insecticide to prevent system
      bugs from spreading.....