Floppy Diskette Dos and Dont's

Files stored on computer floppy diskettes are easily damaged or corrupted.   Floppy diskettes can be damaged by exposure to magnetic fields; for example, from speakers, televisions, and telephones, or temperature extremes or even rough handling.  ITS recommends that you use a memory stick or "pen drive" instead of floppy diskettes for storing your computer files.  If you must use floppy diskettes the following guidelines will help protect your files from damage.

• Do not put diskettes unprotected in backpacks, briefcases or your pocket.  Use a diskette carrying case.
• Do not set diskettes on monitors, or close to speakers, telephones, motors, fans or any other electromagnetic generating devices.
• Do not place diskettes in direct sunlight or in a hot or very cold space (closed up car in summer or unheated car in winter).
• Do not remove a diskette from the computer until the drive light goes out.  Do not remove  the diskette if any files on the diskette are in use by a program.  For example, if you are editing the file in a wordprocessor.

• Copy files from the diskette to your computer before opening them for editing.  Edit the copy you made on the computer and then copy it back to the diskette after you've finished editing.
  
• Make backup copies of diskettes.