Alpha Microsystems AM-6000 Owner's Manual page 43

Getting Started
hard plastic case surrounding the diskette. The cutout or door is the window through which the disk
drive reads the data on the more fragile diskette as the inner disk rotates within the jacket or case.
If you are using 5.25" diskettes, note the small notch in the side of the diskette jacket—this is the write
protect notch. When this notch is covered with a small, self-adhesive tab, the drive cannot write on that
diskette.
If you are using 3.5" diskettes, note the small, sliding tab that opens or closes a small square hole in the
diskette case—this is the disk lock. By sliding the tab so it uncovers the hole, you write protect the disk
so it can be read but not changed. By sliding the tab so it covers the hole, you allow the disk to be
written on.
Remember to write protect any disks that contain valuable data—such as a bootable diskette—so they
are guarded against accidental erasure. If you want the disk drive to write on a diskette, make sure the
diskette is not write protected.
Always remember to label your diskettes by placing a self-adhesive label on them. We recommend you
write on the label first, before you place it on the diskette. If you have to write on the label while it's on
the diskette, use light pressure and a soft pointed writing instrument like a felt tip pen—otherwise you
run the risk of damaging the diskette. (Of course, this caution doesn't really apply to 3.5" diskettes,
which are contained in a much sturdier plastic case than 5.25" diskettes.)
When using diskettes, be sure to follow these precautions:
• Only insert a diskette into the drive when the computer is turned on—likewise, do not leave a
diskette in the drive when you turn off the computer. Turning the computer on and off can cause
power spikes that can damage the data on your diskette.
• Whenever you insert a diskette, be sure to use the MOUNT command (discussed below) to tell
your computer a new diskette is in the drive.
• Never change diskettes if the drive is busy; doing so could damage the data on the diskettes.
There is a small light on the front of the disk drive that is lit if the drive is busy.
• When you remove a diskette from the drive, store it in its envelope and place it in a box where it
is protected from dust.
AM-6000 Computer Owner's Manual, Rev. 00
Page 3-11