FLEXIBLE DISC USAGE AND HANDLING

TM 11-5895-1412-12&P FLEXIBLE DISC USAGE AND HANDLING The disc is similar to a phonograph record that stores programs and data instead of music. The 3 l/2-inch flexible disc is enclosed in a plastic jacket and is maintenance free. The disc is called a flexible or mirco-flexible disc or media. Data is stored on both sides of the disc, and thus the name double-sided disc is applied. Due to the hard case and automatic shutter the micro flexible disc is safer and more reliable than the larger flexible discs on the market. Here are some DOs and DON’Ts for the handling of your discs. Do Back Up Discs Frequently There is always a chance of losing data when mass storage devices are accessed. Causes of loss of data include programming bugs, operator errors, power failures, and hardware failures. Data may also be lost due to flexible disc contamination or wear. One protection against data loss is frequent backup of your files onto other discs. Store discs upright in a dust free container. The box in which the discs are shipped, or a similar container, is a good choice. Operate your system in a relatively clean environment Airborne contaminants and particles accidently dropped onto the disc will cause your disc to wear prematurely and may cause unrealizable data storage and retrieval operations. Some of the most common contaminants are DUST, SMOKE, ASHES, ERASER CRUMBS, and BREADCRUMBS. NEVER ATTEMPT TO BLOW SMALL PARTICLES FROM THE DISC. Chemical vapors may also cause premature disc wear. Maintain proper temperature and humidity The 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 necessary to make special provisions to keep the humidity in the proper range. Although the disc will continue to operate outside the normal humidity range, it will wear more quickly and will have a higher error rate. Avoid magnetic fields The data is stored on the disc magnetically, and can be erased by an external magnetic field. Avoid placing a disc near power transformers, magnets, large disc memories, motors or CRTs (Cathode Ray Tube). DO not touch the surface of the disc The thickness of a fingerprint is enough to lift the head off the disc and cause errors. The oils in a fingerprint also collect dust which can cause the disc to wear faster. When you receive your disc drive and discs, you also receive a packet of labels. Note that the labels come in a variety of colors. Position the label on the disc so that the colored portion of the label is folded over the lower edge of the disc. 2-3