Chapter 1 describes how to use DISKCOPY to copy your MS-DOS and Reference diskettes. To make backups of other diskettes, use the DISKCOPY command or the MENU program. See Chapter 3 for more instructions on using DISKCOPY and MENU.

If you have the Apex 100\20, it is best to put most of the programs and data files you use regularly on the hard disk. Keep backup copies of all your program files on diskettes, however, and regularly copy important data files to diskettes as well. For more information, see “Backing Up Data” in Chapter 3 and check your MS-DOS Reference Manual.

Using a Single Diskette Drive

The operating system expects the computer to have at least two diskette drives, and it displays prompts and messages accordingly. If your system has only one diskette drive, MS-DOS treats your one drive like two logical drives. This helps you perform operations that normally require two diskette drives.

Usually, MS-DOS recognizes the first diskette drive (the top drive) as drive A and a second diskette drive as B. If you have only one diskette drive, MS-DOS recognizes it as both A and B.

For example, if you give a command to copy from A to B, MS-DOS copies data from the first diskette you place in the drive (A) to the computer’s memory. Then MS-DOS prompts you to insert another diskette (for drive B) and copies the data from memory to the new diskette. When the copying is complete, you see a prompt to insert the original diskette (for drive A).

Because you may often swap diskettes this way, it is important to remember which diskette is which. One way to avoid accidentally losing data is to hold the diskette for one drive in your left hand and the diskette for the other in your right. It is also a good idea to write-protect your original diskette.

Using Your Computer

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