Ask Abby

Ask Abby is designed for those computer users with queries about their computer, operating system, or peripherals. With the volume of computer knowledge increasing exponentially, it is impossible to keep up to date on all areas in the information technology field. So, if you find a gap in your knowledge that you need to fill, don't hesitate to Ask Abby.

Dear Abby

I've been using the internet for a while now, and I like keeping up to date with some of the news groups. But quite often, there is an an article that I want to read, but when I click on it, I get a message that it's expired. Why does this happen?

From
Bill

Dear Bill

This is indeed a bit puzzling to many new users, and some experienced ones as well. These articles don't expire as such, they just disappear. It is difficult to answer this question completely without getting too deeply into the technical details, but I'll try to keep the answer both understandable and accurate.

The Information in these articles is stored as "bits", and even a small news articles may contain several thousand bits. These bits are stored on a platter (like a plate) on a hard disk. Now this hard disk spins around (like a top) at very fast speeds. To get a better understanding you should try this simple experiment at home. Place a "bit" of something on a plate. A bit of paper would be ideal. Now spin the plate like a top, really fast. What happens?

Yes, Bill, the bit gets spun off the plate. Scientists call this centrifugal force, and it is this force that causes the bits to be pushed off the hard disk, just like the bits of paper. With time, articles move closer and closer to the edge of the disk, and finally, they fly right off. Of course, the larger articles (those with the most bits) tend to fly off faster.

But there's always exceptions to the rule. Unix systems have something known as a "sticky bit" which can help articles remain longer if it is set. You can think of the sticky bit like a small dollop of glue if you like. So if your news service uses Unix, then your news articles might stay on the disk longer than one that uses Windows 95 or NT. So it's always a good idea to find out what operating system your news server uses.

The problem you are experiencing is getting worse. Newer hard disks have faster access times, and they achieve these by making them spin faster. That's why these drives always come with a sturdy metal case. You can imagine what would happen if these bits of information were being thrown around inside your computer where there are fans and all sorts of delicate parts!

Kind regards
Abby

Dear Abby

My friend told me that before I put on any new programs, I should back up all my files to a floppy disk. I did this, but now I can't get all of them back from this disk. Can you help me?

Please help.
Confused

Dear Confused

I agree with your friend. This is always a good idea just in case the new software causes any damage to your existing files. But you have to remember that to be reliable, floppy disks must be maintained properly. Here are some very useful tips that I follow for keeping my floppy (or any removable) disks in good order.

Never leave diskettes in the disk drive, as data can leak out of the disk and corrode the inner mechanics of the drive. They must be stored in safe place. Often, I roll them up and place them in a pencil holder.
Ideally, diskettes should be cleaned and waxed weekly. Microscopic metal particles can be removed by running a magnet over the surface of the disk. Any stubborn metallic shavings can be removed by scouring with a gentle cleanser or soap. When waxing the diskettes, make sure the surface is even. This will allow the diskette to spin faster because of reduced friction, therefore resulting in much better access times.
You should only fold diskettes if they do not fit into the drive. Big diskettes may be carefully folded and used in little disk drives. Some so-called experts claim that this reduces their useful working life, but this has not yet been proven.
Never insert a diskette into the drive upside down. The data bits can fall off the surface of the disk and jam the intricate mechanics of the drive.
Some people say that diskettes can be backed up by using the photocopying machine. Don't believe them -- they're just pulling your leg. If you need to copy the files from one floppy disk to another, simply insert two diskettes into the drive. Whenever you update a document, the same data will be automatically written to both diskettes.
Diskettes should not be inserted or removed from the drive while the drive light is on. Doing so could result in smeared or possibly unreadable text. Occasionally the red light remains on in what is known as a "hung" state. If your system remains "hung" you will probably need to insert a few coins before being allowed access to the slot.
If your diskette is full and you need more storage space, remove the disk from the drive and shake vigorously. This will pack the data enough (known as Data Compression) to allow for more storage. The longer you shake, the better the data compression. I've found that a full minute gives the maximum compression, but be sure to cover all the openings with tape to prevent the data from falling on the floor.
Access time can be greatly improved by cutting more holes in the diskette cover. This provides more simultaneous access points to the disk for the read heads, as well as much better cooling.
Diskettes may only be used as coasters if that they are properly waxed (and only as last resort). Be sure to wipe the diskettes dry before using.
I do not recommend that you manually edit documents unless you know what you're doing and you have good lighting and eyesight. The data is stored in very small "bits". Razor blades and a transparent tape can be used, but be very careful -- razor blades are very sharp.
Periodically spray diskettes with a good quality bio-degradable viricide (I use ViraClean®) to minimise damage from system bugs.

I suspect you have lost the files you had before, but I'm sure this will help you the next time.

All my best
Abby

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