0You can use the BACKUP command to back up hard disk files to diskettes. Because BACKUP can split large files across two or more diskettes, it makes more efficient use of diskette space than COPY or XCOPY.

See your MS-DOS Reference Manual for instructions on using these commands.

Using a Hard Disk Drive

Using a hard disk is similar to using a diskette. However, the hard disk provides several advantages:

0A 40MB hard disk can store as much data as approximately thirty-three 1.2MB diskettes or thirty 1.44MB diskettes, and a 100MB hard disk can store as much data as approximately eighty-two 1.2MB diskettes or seventy 1.44MB diskettes.

P Your computer can perform all disk-related operations faster.

0You can store frequently used programs and data files on the hard disk, eliminating the inconvenience of swapping diskettes to access different files.

The added storage capacity makes it easy to move back and forth between different programs and data files. However, because it is so easy to add programs and files to your hard disk, you may find yourself trying to organize hundreds of files.

MS-DOS lets you keep related files together in directories and subdirectories so they are easy to find and use. See your MS-DOS Reference Manual for instructions on managing your files and directories.

A hard disk must be partitioned and formatted before you can use it. Be sure you have performed the procedures in your MS-DOS Installation Guide to prepare your hard disk for use.

3-22 Using Your Computer