HP 95LX - Avoiding Data Loss

Avoiding Data Loss
Common Dangers
There are a number of situations that can lead to a loss of data—most of which are
avoidable by use of some good work habits. Here are the main dangers:
1. Don’t confuse switching out of an application with saving the current file.
When you switch out of one built-in application by opening another one, the file
you were working one is not saved to disk. Itis saved in system RAM, until you
switch back in. However, should a system reset (warm restart) occur before you
switch back in, all system RAM will be purged—jyour file along with it.
Don’t ever remove the main batteries and the backup battery at the same time.
You will interrupt the power to the RAM—both system RAM and the RAM disk.
You can lose even your stored data! Be sure that the backup battery is
functioning before removing the main batteries!
Don’t ever attempt to attach a DOS-based program ( «EXE or COM) to a
hotkey by means of the apname . 15t.. You will probably lose all of your data
stored on the RAM disk as well as the information held in system RAM.
Always save all open documents and backup your RAM disk (see p. 134) before
attempting to run a DOS program for the first time on the HP 95LX. While
most programs will run perfectly well, a few—particularly TSR-style programs
(see page 125)—may actually crash your system, necessitating a cold restart.
You may lose the data in an open file if, while you're working on it, you exhaust
available system RAM. Ifyou have a PC handy, you should be able to open the
Filer, attach the Connectivity Pack and save the file temporarily to a directory
on the PC. At that point, you can expand the system RAM by closing down a
few applications and then move the file back over to the HP 95LX.
Avoiding Battery Problems
HP has designed the 95LX so that it uses power at a much slower rate than the
typical laptop, notebook, or competitors’ palmtops. You'll generally get from 2-8
weeks on a pair of the AA main batteries—even longer if you use an AC adapter
while at your desk. The typical backup battery will stay fresh for about 1 year; the
typical card battery (that protects the RAM on a plug-in card), about the same.
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7. MEMORY MANAGEMENT