WHEN one is a computer newbie it's easy to overlook something really helpful - or else become so overawed by the very concept that you refuse to explore it.
Initially I had this hang-up about floppy disks. Wasn't quite sure what to do with them, and after one abortive attempt I pushed my box of disks to the back of the cupboard. Shortly afterwards I heard about CD writers, and immediately wanted one. As a result of this latest 'info', I decided it wasn't worth bothering about floppies because, obviously, when it came to data storage they could not hold much anyway.
However I have yet to acquire the CD burner (it takes a long time
for the 'latest' technology to sink to a reasonable price in Southern
Africa) and some time ago had to do a rethink about floppies.
I was creating a web page and storing practise pages, articles and images all over my hard drive. It all became so complicated - until I tried saving my efforts to a floppy in A: drive. Since then I've been using the despised floppies constantly. To store copies of my website, to store large photographs, and to back-up files I would hate to lose if my PC crashed. I have assembled quite a collection of diskettes, but no longer feel they are a waste of time having discovered that 1.38MB can contain quite a lot.
A word of warning though. Buy the best diskettes you can afford. A little while ago I settled for some bargain buys which after being accessed a few times simply 'did not work' any more.
A new disk is usually preformatted. If you want to re-use an 'old'
disk formatting will clear it (but think carefully because when
you format it the previous contents will be gone forever).
To format a disc place it in A: drive with the small metal 'cover' pointing forward.
Open My Computer with a double click, then highlight the A:Drive icon, Right Click to bring up the menu and then click Format. In the Format Dialogue Box select Quick then click on Start. Within seconds the format will be completed.
To copy information from one floppy to another, place the disk with the data in Drive:A. In My Computer highlight the Drive A: icon, Right Click to bring up the menu, and then click on Copy Disk. When you click Start in the Copy Disk Dialogue Box the information you wish to copy onto the other disk will be temporarily stored on your hard drive. You will be able to watch its progress. When this is completed you will be prompted to remove that disk and insert another one. Once you have complied click Start and the information now on the hard drive will be sent to that disk.
Perhaps you are working on something terribly important and would like a copy that can be kept apart from your PC - just in case. Save your work on your hard drive (C:) in the usual way, then go to File - Save As and change to your A: Drive by clicking the down arrow at the right of the top toolbar in the Save As Dialogue Box. (Need a new folder, then click on the New Folder arrow to the right of the down arrow mentioned above. Name the folder then double click to open it.) Now type in the file name you previously gave this work and click on Save.
Try to remember to label your Floppies - it makes life easier - but if you forgot simply insert the floppy in A:Drive. Open My Computer, double click on the A:Drive logo and the contents of the floppy will be displayed.
To save/send a folder or file already stored on your hard drive to a floppy disk, find the file or folder, highlight it, Right Click and when the menu appears click Send To, and then click Floppy A:
You can also save files, folders and images to your A:Drive by Copying and Pasting and this probably gives me most satisfaction. Of course after I have located the folder in C:, highlighted and copied it, opened My Computer, then pasted into A:Drive (where I have hopefully inserted the necessary floppy), I always have to open the copied file or folder - to make sure it's all there.
And it is! Aren't computers wonderful?
Copyright 2002 Sheldene Chant
Another easy to understand book that shows you how to get
the most out of the World Wide Web and your browser of choice. If
you're looking for an excuse to spend more time online, this book
will give you plenty of opportunities. Learn effective search techniques,
utilizing bookmarks, etc.
Become a Floppy Fan
