Upgrading & Fixing Laptops DUMmIES

Avoiding the Top Ten Stupid Floppy Disk Tricks .....................................

Floppy disks are far from indestructible; in fact, they are an invitation to dis-

aster because they are removable and losable. Take great care not to expose

them to danger, or misplace them; if I can restate that as a positive, in addi-

tion to taking care of them, keep multiple copies of any irreplaceable data.

That said, here are my top ten stupid floppy disk tricks, each of which is

capable of ruining your day:

1. Storing them on the floor or other place where they collect dust that can
   clog the disk or gunk up the drive.


2. Keeping them on a radiator or in direct sunlight. Heat can warp the disk
   case and damage the media.


3. Placing a stack on top of a device that generates an electrical field,
   including speakers, some television or computer monitors, and motors
   (including pencil sharpeners).


4. Collecting disks near tools that have magnetic tips, including some
   screwdrivers and scissors.


5. Using a disk as a paperweight or a coaster for a cup of coffee.


6. Clipping a disk to a folder. Paper clips have sharp ends that could
   scratch and damage the disk, and some are magnetized.


7. Spilling a soda or a cup of coffee on a stack of disks. See also #5. Why do
   you have liquids anywhere near your computer in the first place?


8. Attaching them to a filing cabinet with a magnet.


9. Storing your only copy of a file on one floppy disk.


10. Losing your only copy of a file, stored on a floppy disk.

144 Part III: Laying Hands on the Major Parts