IBM 5110 User Manual page 87

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•• Diskette volume 10, owner 10, and access-protect indicator
•• Diskette file information, such as file 10, write-protect indicator, and
organization
•• Reallocation of diskette file space
.. Amount of storage available on a diskette
DISKETTE WEAR
The use of flexible diskette storage provides some significant
advantages, such as low cost, compact size, multiple system functions,
and ease of media handling and storage. It should be recognized,
however, that during recording and reading, the read/write head is in
Gontact with the media, causing diskette wear over time. Variations in
the rate of wear will depend on the particular operating environment
and application characteristics. Care in the storage, use, and handling
Gan also affect diskette life. {See guidelines in the IBM 5110 APL
8eference Maual.} Excessive wear, handling, or contamination can
Gause possible failures in recording and/or reading.
Ultimate wear is to some extent dependent upon total usage of
individual tracks. Care taken to distribute data so that accessing
occurs over the entire recording surface with about the same
1frequency can extend the useful life of the diskette. Actual experience
with individual applications and environments will allow development
of guidelines as to when the media should be replaced.
Unpredictable circumstances such as contamination or severe handling
can cause an early error to occur.
1F0r the previous reasons, consideration should be given to providing
an adequate recovery plan, such as:
'. Backing up critical programs and data files on a second diskette for
use in the event of an error on the primary diskette.
• Periodically moving frequently used files to alternate locations on
the diskette {see the copy function in the IBM 5110 Customer
Support Functions Reference Manual}.