T R O U B L E S H O O T I N G
6/5
Check also that the disk is not badly scratched or dirty. Clean them
carefully, wiping them with a clean, lint free cloth, slightly
moistened if necessary. Clean from the centre outwards. Always store
CD-ROMs in hard cases and handle them by the edges only
wherever possible.
Hard disk drives
If you have problems accessing your hard disk drive, check that the
controller to which the drive is connected is enabled, that the disk
has been correctly formatted, and that the permissions assigned by
the BIOS or the software that you are using allow the intended
access.
Software security
It has now become a requirement to regularly scan your system for
software ‘virus’ intrusion. A virus can cause strange effects and
serious damage to software and sometimes hardware.
Inability to access drives, destruction of data and even wiping of
system BIOS have been experienced by unknowing recipients.
If possible, check all floppy disks of unknown origin with virus
scanning software before use. If it was supplied from an unauthorised
source, be especially on your guard. The supplier may not be aware
of the potential problem. Illegal copying of programs has led to vast
distribution of the many common types of virus.
There are various software companies who design Anti-Virus
software for both home and corporate use and some of these are very
reliable. They are however no substitute for tight control of
your
system and
your
software.
Virus infection can be avoided. It should never be any great threat
providing reasonably simple precautions are taken:
•
Purchase software from only reputable sources.
•
Avoid ‘second hand’ software.
•
Do not lend other people your software master disks.