Care+for+storage+media

Things that Storage media are made of and how to take care of them
===· Diskettes  === - Data is stored in a thin plastic disk - Can be easily bent - Can be easily scratched - Cannot withstand heat - Most diskettes have warning against improper handling - Keep **your fingers** away from your diskettes. Do not touch the media inside. This may damage the media. - ** Magnets : ** Keep away from **magnets**. Data is stored in the diskette’s magnetic media. Magnets can corrupt the data. - Keep away from **Dusty places.** Dust can cause scratches on the surface of a diskette. - Keep away from **Liquids (e.g. coffee, water).** Liquids will leave behind a thin film of dirt on the surface of a diskette. They may react with the magnetic material, thereby damaging the diskette. - Keep away from **Heat.** When exposed to heat, the piece of plastic media can warp (lose its shape). Most diskettes are safe if stored at between 10–60°C.

===· Recordable Compact Disc (CD-R)  === - Stores up to 700MB of data - Data is stored on a thin foil stuck to the surface of the CD  -  CD-R cannot withstand scratches - Always hold a CD by its edge or centre hole - Do not **Scratch, Write or Paste** a sticker on a CD  -  Do not put the CD in a very hot place; under the sun. The plastic may melt. Leave it in the open area. Do Keep it in the shade and enclose it -  Do not put heavy items on the CD. - Wipe gently with soft cotton cloth

===· Hard Disks === - Store information on a platter (metallic disk) - Platter spins at head speed - Vibration or shock can cause surface of the disk to be scratched - Important not to drop a hard disk ===· Thumb Drive === - Store information in memory chips - Vulnerable to static electricity and humidity - Keep away from static electricity and humid places (e.g. pockets) 