Proper Diskette Usage and Care

From: Joe <rigdonj_at_intellistar.net>
Date: Wed Jan 6 18:14:40 1999

Er, Ah, is based on your experience Pete or is the result of years of
testing?

   Joe :-)

At 09:28 PM 1/6/99 -0000, you wrote:
>I think this is relevant to most classic machines :)
>
>
> Proper Diskette Usage and Care
>
>
>(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.....
>
>Regards
>Pete
>
>Regards
>Pete
>
Received on Wed Jan 06 1999 - 18:14:40 GMT