Basic Operations 2-9
2
Using Floppy Disks
Floppy disks used by the notebook are made of magnetic material and enclosed in a
protective plastic case. The case protects the magnetic surface of the disk against
scratches, bending and dust. A shutter on the case opens automatically when
inserted into a floppy disk drive, exposing the disk to the drive's read/write head,
which can then retrieve, record or erase data on the disk's magnetic surface. When
the system attempts to access a floppy disk, the disk starts to spin within its plastic
casing, and the read/write head moves to the proper position on the disk and
performs the operation you requested. You can use double-density (2DD) 720KB or
high-density (2HD) 1.44MB floppy disk.
Handling Floppy Disks
•
Do not open the shutter and touch the disk inside; otherwise you will not be able
to read or write data to the disk.
•
Do not place floppy disks near magnets and the like, direct sunlight, a heat register,
or in dusty place.
•
Do not leave floppy disks on the built-in speakers; the magnets inside the speakers
may destroy the disks.
•
Never subject a disk to sudden shocks or extreme vibration. Do not drop it or bend
it. Do not place heavy objects on the disk.
•
Do not spill liquid onto the disk.
Write-protecting a Floppy Disk
On the floppy disk is an arrow imprinted on the front upper left corner, and a sliding
write-protect tab on the bottom left corner, as illustrated below. When opened, the
write-protect tab prevents data from being written to, or erased from, the floppy disk.
Figure 2-3. Write-protecting a Floppy Disk
