ehr@ecsvax.UUCP (12/04/84)
On an upcoming lengthy trip on which I plan to use my Radio
Shack model 100, I plan to back up the RAM files I create to
cassette tapes -- something I don't normally do since at home
I can copy them to my model III's disks. An article -- I don't
remember which magazine -- about someone's computer tapesss
allegedly being wiped out by airport x-ray security devices
got me to thinking about this possibility.
I don't recall ever seeing any items posted on this subject.
Is this really a problem? Do the lead-foil bags sold for
carrying photographic films help? Or is it best just to make
sure tapes never go through any x-ray machines?
Also -- and I realize this may be a dumb question, but I think
it's safer to ask than be sorry later -- could these machines
damage files stored in RAM?
Any comments will be appreciated. Thanks.
Ernest H. Robl (ehr@ecsvax)
Perkins Library, Duke University, Durham, NCcalway@ecsvax.UUCP (12/04/84)
x The magnetism from the metal detector gate is more likely to cause problems than the x-ray machine, although it probably generates a magnetic field, too, if only from its power supply. Put your cassettes in a metal file box (make sure the box is not magnetized) and hand it to the gate security people to inspect visually. Have your computer inspected visually, too. Never check it as baggage. The x-rays are supposed to be weak, but better safe than sorry. Have a nice trip. James Calloway The News and Observer Box 191 Raleigh, N.C. 27560 (919) 829-4570 ecsvax!calway