nowlin@ihu1e.UUCP (05/23/84)
I recently got my update to Aztec C (Version 1.06B). One of the disks
had a bad side, but they're going to send me a new one right away. They
distributed this version on two double sided disks that have to be turned over
on my Apple. Besides Manx I've also purchased Microzine from Scholastic
Software and Graphics Magician from Penguin Software in this form.
That brings me to a question. Have you ever cut a WP notch in the off
edge of a floppy and turned it over to use the other side? I tried this for
backing up Penguin's Graphics Magician. I just used an Exacto knife I had
laying around and measured the spot with a ruler. It worked just great as far
as I can tell.
Then I read an article about why turning over disks is not a good
practice. According to the article, when the disk spins in the opposite
direction dirt drops out on the disk instead of being picked up by the jacket
liner. Is this a real matter for concern? If it is then why do companies
like Manx, Penguin, and Scholastic distribute their software on floppies that
have to flipped over? Even if the disks they use are certified for double
sided use, they still spin in opposite directions when you turn the disk over
to use the other side.
They might rationalize that you will back your new software up right away
and never use the original disks enough for this to be a problem. That can't
Scholastic's reasoning since their stuff is protected. If this is truly a
problem, and not just propaganda written by some disk manufacturer, would
Scholastic be responsible for a disk drive head problem since their disks
could contribute to the failure? Anyone have any thoughts on this topic?
Jerry Nowlin
ihnp4!ihu1e!nowlinglen@intelca.UUCP (05/24/84)
I have flipped all the blank floppies I've ever owned and had very few
disk errors (even with ultra-cheapo floppies). I don't know how
scientifically founded the criticisms are that discourage flipping floppies
but I have had great luck!
Some hints:
It's easier to cut out the write-protect hole with a paper punch then
with an exacto knife (sure the hole's round, but who cares?)
Instead of measuring where the hole should be punched, just take
another floppy, put one on top of the other facing each other,
and now use the the real hole of one floppy to line up the punch
for the new hole of the other.
^ ^ Glen Shires, Intel, Santa Clara, Ca.
O O Usenet: {ucbvax!amd70,pur-ee,hplabs}!intelca!glen
> ARPA: "amd70!intelca!glen"@BERKELEY
\-/ --- stay mellow