Chapter 5

Using Floppy Disks

Description

Your computer works with a large electronic memory array called RAM. This stands for Random Access Memory. Your system’s RAM is actually an array of electronic circuits. As long as the computer is powered up, this circuit array will “remember” whatever is placed in it. When you turn the power off, however, these circuits will “forget.” Therefore, you need some way of retaining your programs and data after you turn the system off. The most usual way of storing data, at least on DOS-based computer systems, is on floppy disks.

Virtually all commercially available programs are distributed on floppy diskettes. Before you buy an application software package for your computer, you should make sure that it will run under MS-DOS. Products labeled “for IBM PC,” “for IBM PC/AT, ” “PC-compatible, ” or “MS-DOS-compatible” should run properly. Products intended for other types of computer operating systems, such as CP/M or Apple, will not run on your system.

Note

If you should accidentally try to run CP/M or Apple software, your computer will inform you that you are using non-DOS diskettes. This will not damage your computer.

The most frequent use that you will have for diskettes is to save the data, text, files, etc. that you create. You will use diskettes to store your data between sessions on the computer, as well as to back up your valuable software.

Using Floppy Disks

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