Too many tears have been shed over the loss of data files while attempting to save or retrieve those files from floppy disks. I am reminded of a true story regarding a nervous student coming to Academic Computing with a bad floppy disk, stating that Windows had refused to read and open the disk. "It worked five minutes ago," Academic Computing was told. "And, oh yea, my ever-so-important thesis paper was saved in that floppy and it's the only copy I have!" Needless to say, attempts were made to recover the files, but without success. The disk was beyond recovery and repair, unfortunately!

          If floppy disks are not reliable, what can be done to protect your data files? Here are some suggestions:

1. If a floppy disk is your only method of saving files, make a backup copy of that disk periodically (especially after a major change had been made). In a PC with Windows 95/98/NT/2000, for instance, 1) insert your 1st disk (with your files) into the floppy drive. 2) Open "My Computer" from the desktop. 3) Right-click on "3-1/2 Floppy (A:)". 4) Select "Copy Disk...". 5) Click the "Start" button and insert the 2nd floppy disk when prompted.

2. Students automatically have 10 megabytes of hard drive space (more than 10 floppy disks!) on the Student Server, when logged into the Novell network system. Students should make use of this resource and save their E-Mail, writing assignments, etc. on that server. (See the lab consultants in the open labs for more details.)

3. Other suggestions: Save a copy of your important files to the hard drive of your computer, if feasible. Saving the files to Zip disks (if possible) is another excellent idea. Do not place floppy disks in direct sunlight (or near other heat sources) and do not put them next to magnets! (A person once used a magnet to hold a floppy disk up on a refrigerator door and wondered why the data files kept disappearing everyday.) Do carry your floppy disks in protective cases!

          In short, floppy disks will have their bad-hair-days. Interesting enough, Academic Computing Technicians had given many "lectures" to visitors with defective floppies that floppy disks are good for two things: Corrupting files and transferring viruses! Save some tears and do not rely on floppy disks!