Handling And Storing Diskettes; Inserting And Removing Diskettes; Using A Cd-Rom Drive - IBM 6648 - NetVista A40 - 128 MB RAM User Manual

Handling and storing diskettes

Inside the protective diskette case is a flexible disk with a magnetic coating.
This disk can be damaged by heat, dust, a magnetic field, or even a
fingerprint. Use the following guidelines when handling and storing diskettes:
v Data is stored on the magnetic surface of the diskette. This surface is
protected by a plastic cover. If the cover is damaged, do not use the diskette.
A damaged diskette might damage the diskette drive.
v A protective slide on the top of a 3.5-inch diskette covers part of the
magnetic surface. The diskette drive moves this slide to read data from or
write data to the diskette. Do not move this slide because fingerprints and
dust can cause loss of data.
v Never touch the magnetic disk itself.
v Keep diskettes away from magnets or devices that create a strong magnetic
field, such as electric motors and generators. Diskettes are sensitive to
magnets found in television sets, telephones, stereo speakers, and other such
items. A magnetic field can erase the data on your diskettes. Do not set
diskettes on the monitor or use magnets to attach notes to your computer.
v Do not store diskettes at high temperatures, low temperatures, or in direct
sunlight. Temperatures ranging from 4° to 53°C (39° to 127°F) are acceptable
for 3.5-inch diskettes. Keep diskettes away from heat. The plastic outer
covering might warp, damaging the diskette.

Inserting and removing diskettes

To insert a 3.5-inch diskette, hold the diskette with the label facing up and
insert the end with the protective slide first. Push the diskette into the diskette
drive until the diskette clicks into place.
To remove the diskette, press the eject button and slide the diskette out of the
drive. Do not remove the diskette while the in-use light is on.

Using a CD-ROM drive

Some models have a preinstalled CD-ROM drive. CD-ROM drives can play
back or read from a CD, but cannot write information to it. CD-ROM drives
use industry standard, 12 cm (4.75-inch) CDs.
Follow these guidelines when using a CD-ROM drive:
v Do not place the drive where there is:
– High temperature
– High humidity
– Excessive dust
– Excessive vibration or sudden shock
– An inclined surface
– Direct sunlight
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User Guide