Caring for the hard disk

To avoid damaging your hard disk, take these precautions:

•Keep the hard disk away from dust and dirt. If you need to remove the computer’s cover to install an option card, replace the cover as soon as possible.

•Keep your computer away from magnetic fields such as electrical appliances, telephones, and loudspeakers.

•Keep your computer in a moderate environment. Hard disks work best at room temperature and in normal humidity.

•Never turn off the power to the computer when the hard disk drive light is on. This light indicates that the computer is currently copying data to or from the hard disk. If you interrupt this process, you can lose data.

•Never attempt to open the hard disk unit. The disk itself is enclosed in an air-tight container to protect it from dust.

•If you are going to move your computer (even to another part of the room), you need to prepare your hard disk for moving. See “Moving the Computer” at the end of this chapter.

Protecting the data on your hard disk

While the hard disk is very reliable, it is essential to back up your hard disk files on diskettes in case you lose some data accidentally.

Make copies of all your system and application program diskettes before copying the programs to the hard disk. Copy your data files regularly (as often as you update them) to keep your backup diskettes up-to-date.

Use the Epson MENU utility or the MS-DOS BACKUP command to back up your hard disk files. Use the MENU utility or the MS-DOS DISKCOPY command to make copies of your system and program diskettes. For instructions on using these backup utilities, see Chapter 4 or your MS-DOS manual.

Using the Equity Ie

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