Formatting Diskettes; Making Backup Copies - Epson Equity 4 User Manual

However, if you have only one diskette drive and no hard disk,
you need to use that drive to load the operating system as well
as any application program you are using. First, insert the
operating system diskette in drive A and load the operating
system; this copies it to the computer's memory (RAM) so you
do not need to leave the system diskette in the drive. Then
remove the system diskette and insert your application
program diskette to load that data into memory, too. See your
application program manual for detailed instructions.

Formatting Diskettes

before you can store data on a new diskette, you must format it.
Formatting prepares the diskette so that the operating system
can write data on it. You need to do this only once, before you
use the diskette for the first time.
You can also reformat previously used diskettes to store new
data. This process erases all the data on the diskette, so be sure
you do not want to save any of the files on a used diskette
before you format it. See your operating system manual for
instructions on formatting diskettes.

Making Backup Copies

It is important to make copies of all your data and system
diskettes. Make backup (or working) copies of all diskettes that
contain programs, such as your operating system, Reference,
and Utility diskettes; then use only the copies. Store the original
diskettes away from your working diskettes. Also, copy your
data diskettes regularly, whenever you revise them, and store
them away from your originals.
If you have a hard disk, you'll probably use it to store the
programs and data files you use regularly. Keep backup copies
of all your files on diskettes or tapes (if you have a tape backup
drive).
Using Your Computer 1-17