Floppy Disks are the most commonly used portable device for data storage. Although Compact disks are also readily available still floppy disk is the cheapest medium. Unfortunately Floppy disks are also the most vulnerable to all sorts of damage to data. Nowadays, you just simply cannot trust a floppy. Especially when you need it to.

Below are a few guidelines which can help in storing and maintaining floppies for a comparatively longer period.

• Always make a backup of data diskettes.
• Use the backup and store the master
• Identify and label immediately
• Use only soft tipped pens to write on diskettes
• Insert into disk drives with the label up
• Never turn your computer on or off with diskettes placed in.
• Keep away from magnetic fields (monitor, phone, television etc)
• Keep away from food or drink
• Store it in a cool place where there is no dust (not in your refrigerator)
• Touch only the jacket and the magnetic part of diskette
• Return all diskettes to envelopes or covers after their use
• Store diskettes horizontally or vertically only
• Buy a plastic diskette holder or use the box they come in
• Treat your diskettes with care they are your record albums and not frisbeeeeees.