Epson Equity Ie Q50188015-1 - Manual (Page 40)

You need to format new diskettes before you can use them with an operating
system. Formatting erases all the data on a diskette and prepares it to receive
new data, so be sure to format only new blank diskettes or diskettes that
contain data you want to erase. See Chapter 4 for instructions on how to
format diskettes.
Caring for diskettes
To avoid damaging diskettes, you need to care for them properly Take these
precautions to avoid losing data:
Do not remove a diskette or turn off the computer while the drive light
is on. This light indicates that the computer is copying data to or from a
disk. If you interrupt this process, you can destroy data.
Remove all diskettes before you turn off the computer.
Keep diskettes away from dust and dirt. Small particles of dust or dirt
can scratch the magnetic surface and destroy data. Dust can also ruin
the read/write heads in a diskette drive.
Keep diskettes away from magnetic fields. (Remember that diskettes store
data magnetically.) There are many sources of magnetism in your home
or office, such as electrical appliances, telephones, and loudspeakers.
Keep diskettes in a moderate environment. They work best at room
temperature and in normal humidity. Never leave diskettes sitting in the
sun, or in extreme cold or heat. The temperature in a car in the middle
of summer or winter can cause severe damage.
Do not expose the diskette’s magnetic surface by sliding the metal plate.
Never touch a diskette’s magnetic surface. The oils on your fingertips
can damage it.
Do not place anything on top of your diskettes and make sure they do
not get bent.
Never wipe, brush, or try to clean diskettes in any way
Store diskettes properly in diskette containers.
Using the Equity Ie 3-5