S4
Chapter
3:
More
About
Disks
When you save your work
on
a disk, the read-write head records
your work
on
the disk as magnetic panerns. When you load
information into the computer's memory, the read-write
head
copies these patterns from the disk. This
is
much like the activity
of
the record and play heads
on
a cassette recorder. The disk records
and plays data patterns; the cassette records and plays
sound
patterns. Chapter
4,
"The Inside Story," covers the relationship
between the computer and the
disk in more detaiL
When the computer
activates the drive, the disk spins inside its
jacket. As the disk spins, the area
of
the disk that can store data
passes
under
the dIsk
access
openirJ&
exposing the area
to
the
read·write
head.
How 5.25-inch disks work
,
Caring
tor
5.25·inch disks
The most important rule in caring for disks
is
never to touch any
exposed area
of
the disk itself, Always handle a disk by
its
jacket.
Also,
keep
these rules
in
mind:
• Keep disks away from magnets
or
devices containing magnets, like
telephones, television sets, unshielded monitors, copy
stands
with magnetic
paper
holders, batteries,
and
large motors.
• Store S.2S-inch disks in the envelopes
in
which they came.
• Store disks vertically to
keep
dust from collecting
on
them. Some
people prefer to store disks in plastic disk
boxes
or
spedal
disk
albums for further protection
(and
better organization).
•
Use
a felt-tip pen
to
write
on
the disk label. A pencil
or
a ball"point
pen
can
dent the recording surface
of
a S,2S-inch disk and thereby
ruin data.
• Don't place anything
on
a disk, A
sharp
edge
or
too much
pressure could damage the disk.
• Don't use an eraser
on
a label. Eraser panicles
can
damage the
disk.
• Don't
attach
paper
clips to disks.
• Keep disks away from moisture.
• Keep
disks away from direct sunlight and extremes
of
heat and
cold"
On
a hot day, the heat that builds
up
in
car trunks,
on
dashboards, and in glove compartments
can
ruin a disk,
S2"e
SOO'
12S"F
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