TM 11-5895-1412-12&PFLEXIBLE DISC USAGE AND HANDLINGThe disc is similar to a phonograph record that stores programs and datainstead of music.The 3 l/2-inch flexible disc is enclosed in a plasticjacket and is maintenance free.The disc is called a flexible ormirco-flexible disc or media.Data is stored on both sides of the disc, andthus the name double-sided disc is applied. Due to the hard case andautomatic shutter the micro flexible disc is safer and more reliable than thelarger flexible discs on the market.Here are some DOs and DON’Ts for thehandling of your discs.DoBack Up Discs FrequentlyThere is always a chance of losing data when mass storage devices areaccessed.Causes of loss of data include programming bugs, operator errors,power failures, and hardware failures.Data may also be lost due to flexibledisc contamination or wear.One protection against data loss is frequentbackup of your files onto other discs.Store discs upright in a dust freecontainer.The box in which the discs are shipped, or a similar container, isa good choice.Operate your system in a relatively clean environmentAirborne contaminants and particles accidently dropped onto the disc willcause your disc to wear prematurely and may cause unrealizable data storage andretrieval operations.Some of the most common contaminants are DUST, SMOKE,ASHES, ERASER CRUMBS, and BREADCRUMBS.NEVER ATTEMPT TO BLOW SMALL PARTICLESFROM THE DISC. Chemical vapors may also cause premature disc wear.Maintain proper temperature and humidityThe proper operating range is 10°C (50°F) to 40°C (104°F) and 20% to 80%relative humidity.While temperature can be controlled, it may be necessaryto make special provisions to keep the humidity in the proper range. Althoughthe disc will continue to operate outside the normal humidity range, it willwear more quickly and will have a higher error rate.Avoidmagnetic fieldsThe data is stored on the disc magnetically, and can be erased by an externalmagnetic field.Avoid placing a disc near power transformers, magnets, largedisc memories, motors or CRTs (Cathode Ray Tube).DOnottouch the surface of the discThe thickness of a fingerprint is enough to lift the head off the disc andcause errors.The oils in a fingerprint also collect dust which can cause thedisc to wear faster.When you receive your disc drive and discs, you also receive a packet oflabels.Note that the labels come in a variety of colors. Position the labelon the disc so that the colored portion of the label is folded over the loweredge of the disc.2-3
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