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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
5-1