[
Thread Prev][
Thread Next] >
Date Index
>
Thread Index
Proper diskette care and usage
Tobias Henoeckl -
Tue Dec 11 21:04:51 2001
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.....
Next: