You need to format new diskettes before you can use them
with an operating system. Formatting erases all the data on a
diskette and prepares it to receive new data, so be sure to
format only new blank diskettes or diskettes that contain data
you want to erase. See Chapter 4 or your MS-DOS manual for
instructions on how to format diskettes.
Caring for disks and disk drives
To avoid damaging your diskettes and hard disk, you need
to care for them properly. Take these precautions to avoid
losing data:
Do not remove a diskette, turn off the computer, or turn
off an external diskette drive while the drive light is on.
This light indicates that the computer is copying data to or
from a disk. If you interrupt this process, you can destroy
data.
Remove all diskettes before you turn off the computer.
Keep disks away from dust and dirt. Small particles of dust
or dirt can scratch the magnetic surface and destroy data.
Dust can also ruin the read/write heads in a disk drive.
Keep disks away from magnetic fields. (Remember that
disks store data magnetically.) There are many sources of
magnetism in your home or office, such as electrical
appliances, telephones, and loudspeakers.
Keep disks in a moderate environment. They work best at
room temperature and in normal humidity. Never leave
diskettes sitting in the sun, or in extreme cold or heat. The
temperature in a car in the middle of summer or winter
can cause severe damage.
Do not expose the diskette’s surface by sliding the metal
plate and never touch a diskette’s magnetic surface. The
oils on your fingertips can damage it.
Do not place anything on top of your diskettes and make
sure they do not get bent.
Using the Equity LT
3-11