[OPLINTECH] Floppy disk problems

Fri Jul 28 10:16:37 EDT 2006

We've provided some of our libraries with the inexpensive USB flash
drives, but "inexpensive" changes too often.  What was cheap when
you bought it becomes an expensive item for your patrons a month
later as prices and technology change.

As far as changing out drives, I would suggest you purchase a couple
USB floppy drives.  Even at the probable $40+ cost, it's less than
the cost of repairing an old computer usually.  That way you can
move the floppy as necessary to accommodate your users.

Thomas Mason, MCSE, AANG, Sr. Consultant
Management Assistance, Inc.
Manufacturing, Academic and Government Solutions
"We make it happen for you!"
masontj at manasst.com 440.355.6962 Fax:440-355-4355

> -----Original Message-----
> From: oplintech-bounces at oplin.org [mailto:oplintech-
> bounces at oplin.org] On Behalf Of Phil Shirley
> Sent: Friday, July 28, 2006 9:55 AM
> To: OPLIN Tech List
> Subject: Re: [OPLINTECH] Floppy disk problems
> 
> We also have patrons bring us floppy disks that used to work on
> our
> public computers but don't anymore (W2k says the disk is
> unformatted).
> 
> Some questions for everyone:
> 
> 1.  Does any library out there sell flash memory drives to patrons
> (or
> have plans to do so)?  We sell floppies only (50 cents each).
> 
> 2.  Can anyone recommend a source for inexpensive flash memory
> drives?
> (I know NEO-RLS is considering a group purchase of these for their
> gold
> members.)  The $5-10 price that Avery mentioned (below) is very
> intriguing.
> 
> 3.  Even when we encourage the use of flash memory drives and
> discourage
> floppy use, some people will still want or need floppy drives in
> our
> public computers for a while.  What's the best way to make these
> work as
> well as possible, in addition to cleaning the drives regularly?
> Would
> replacing the floppy drives on our older computers be a good idea?
> Most
> of our public computers are at least 4 years old, and we're not
> going to
> be able to replace the computers soon; I see that you can get a
> Sony
> floppy drive for under $20.  It seems pretty labor-intensive to
> make
> adjustments to our old floppy drives as described in one of the
> links
> someone provided, and they may be rather worn anyway.
> 
> 4.  When a patron comes up with a floppy disk that our W2k
> computers
> used to be able to read but can't read anymore (they say the disk
> is
> unformatted), our Win98 computer can often read some or all of the
> files
> on it.  I assume that Win98 is just more forgiving of disk errors,
> but
> does this point to a different problem than the misalignment/etc.
> that
> has been described here?
> 
> Phil
> 
> Avery Shifflett wrote:
> > Dan,
> >
> > It may sound odd, but I believe the floppy disk problem exists
> on purpose.
> >  I really think floppy disks/drives are being designed flawed in
> order to
> > aid the phase-out process.
> >
> > I used to be able to carry a floppy disk in my pocket, throw it
> around,
> > and use it on any computer...no matter how dirty or old the
> drive was and
> > had no problem at all.  I still have floppy disks off in a
> corner that I
> > obtained back in the early 90's.  They *all* still work on any
> computer
> > and in any floppy drive.  But, I'm lucky to get a couple disks
> in a brand
> > new box of floppies, no matter what brand, to work at all.
> Coincidence?
> > I don't think so.
> >
> > In conclusion, I think we need to go with the tide in this
> instance and
> > start recommending that patrons and staff alike get something
> like a flash
> > drive.  They can be obtained for $5-10 (128MB) and are much more
> durable
> > and hold a lot more.
> >
> > ---Avery Shifflett
> > Technology Coordinator
> > Carroll Co. Dist. Library
> >
> >
> >> Folks
> >>     I am starting to see more and more problems with floppy
> disk not
> >> being able to be read on both our public and staff machines.
> So far I
> >> have not been able to find any thing common with these
> occurances as the
> >> next disk will work just fine.  In some cases the files were
> created on
> >> computers out side the library and in some they were created in
> house
> >> and the disk never left the building.  I have even replaced
> some of the
> >> drives which did not cure all. The computers are all running
> windows
> >> 2000 and the patches are up to date.
> >>     If any one has any ideas, their input would be much
> appreciated.
> >>
> >> Thanks in advance............
> >>
> >> --
> >> Dan Moore
> >> Automated Services Coordinator
> >> Garnet A. Wilson Public Library of Pike Co.
> >> 207 N. Market St.
> >> Waverly, Ohio. 45690
> >>
> >> gawasc at oplin.org
> >> Phone: 740-947-4921
> >> Fax: 740-947-2918
> >>
> >> _______________________________________________
> >> OPLINTECH mailing list
> >> OPLINTECH at oplin.org
> >> http://mail.oplin.org/mailman/listinfo/oplintech
> >>
> >
> >
> > _______________________________________________
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> 
> --
> 
> Phil Shirley
> Technology Services Coordinator
> Cuyahoga Falls Library
> Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio
> 330-928-2117, ext. 109
> pshirley at CuyahogaFallsLibrary.org
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