Save It; Formatting Discs For Use - AMSTRAD cpc 6128 User Instruction

Part 7: Save It ....
Now that you've exercised your fingers by typing in a few instructions, you'll
probably want to know how to save a program from the computer onto disc, and how
to load it bl:!ck from disc into the computer.
Even if you are familiar with cassette saving and loading, it is worth pointing out
some important information which must be observed when dealing with disc
program files.
The 2 most apparent differences will be that firstly, a new blank disc cannot simply be
taken out of its wrapper and recorded onto, as is the case with cassettes. A new disc
must be first be 'formatted', and this process will be explained in a moment.
The other point worth mentioning here, is the importance of correctly 'naming' disc
files. Cassette filenames generally conform to very loose standards, varying greatly
in length, being at times omitted. Not so with discs. Disc filenames must conform
strictly to CP/M standards, and will be explained later in this section.
Formatting discs for use
Before writing any data onto a new blank disc, the disc itself must first be formatted.
Formatting can be likened to building a series of shelves and dividers onto a disc prior
to the storage of information on those shelves; in other words, laying down an
organised framework around which data can be put in or taken out.
Formatting divides the disc into 360 distinctly separate areas:
Track 39
1 4 - - -
Outer Case
4
Sector
--+-- Track 0
3
Chapter 1 Page 38 Foundation Course