If you have any combination of the above drives (360KB, 1.2MB, 720KB, or 1.44MB), you can copy files from one drive to another- using the COPY or XCOPY command-as long as the correct diskette type is in each drive. You can use these commands to copy files between the hard disk and any type of diskette. You cannot use the DISKCOPY command to copy from one drive to another if the two drives are not the same type.

Caring for Diskettes and Diskette Drives

Follow these basic precautions to protect your diskettes and avoid losing data:

Do not remove a diskette from the diskette drive or turn off the computer while the drive light is on. This light indicates that the computer is copying data to or from a diskette. If you interrupt this process, you can destroy data.

Remove all diskettes before you turn off the computer.

Keep diskettes away from dust and dirt. Small particles of dust or dirt can scratch the magnetic surface and destroy data. Dust can also ruin the read/write heads in a diskette drive.

Never wipe, brush, or try to clean diskettes in any way.

Keep diskettes in a moderate environment. They work best at normal room temperature and in normal humidity. Don’t leave your diskettes sitting in the sun, or in extreme cold or heat.

Keep diskettes away from magnetic fields. (Remember that diskettes store information magnetically.) There are many sources of magnetism in your home or office, such as electrical appliances, telephones, and loudspeakers.

Do not place diskettes on top of your monitor or near an external hard disk drive.

Never touch a diskette’s magnetic surface. The oils on your fingertips can damage it. Always hold a diskette by its protective jacket. When using a 3½-inch diskette, do not slide the metal shutter; this exposes the diskette’s surface.

4-12 Using the Equity 386