Beware of the Magnetic Field
Remember that diskettes store their data magnetically, just like
tapes.
You probably won’t be running a horseshoe magnet over the
surface of the diskette, but you should be aware that there are
many sources of magnetism in and around your home or office.
A paperclip from a magnetic paperclip holder, strategically dropped
on the magnetic surface of a diskette,
can do plenty of damage, as can the
holder itself.
Also, just about everything that uses
electricity generates magnetism. Elec-
tric typewriters (why would you need
one of those?), television sets, fans,
speaker magnets, and telephones
(which are often placed near a com-
puter) all generate magnetic fields.
Keep your diskettes away from them!
Keep it Comfortable
When it comes to temperature, treat your diskettes like people.
Room temperature is best.
If you leave your diskettes in a
locked car in the middle of the sum-
mer or the dead of a northern winter,
you’re asking for trouble. If you ab-
solutely must leave diskettes in a car,
the trunk is probably best because it
is better insulated, and temperatures
will therefore be more moderate. The
optimum temperature range is from 50
to 90 degrees Fahrenheit.
Inserting Diskettes
Choose the system diskette that you wish to start with and
remove it from the paper envelope. Remember, don’t touch the
exposed magnetic surfaces!
14