Computer Fundamentals for Teachers
Competency # 1 Computer Operation Skills
Module #1.7.1
Initializing and naming Floppy disks
Getting there
Excuse me! What exactly does initialize mean? I mean Mac's
say it, What about windows?
Initialize (or FORMAT) means to allow the operating system to prepare a
disk for use. This is like putting lines on paper before using it to write on.
WINDOWS: insert the disk into the
disk drive. Double click on "MY COMPUTER". Right click on the icon
for "A:". Choose format. Now for the fun part!
If the disk has two square notches on the side closest to you (when it is in the computer)
You should choose "1.44MB", otherwise choose "720KB".
There is also a box for "LABEL", this is the place to type the name for the
disk. Then press start and away you go!
MAC: insert the disk, if it is not
initialized, the computer will ask you to initialize it. You will be prompted for a
disk type and title. Title is the name, type means Mac, Windows, or Apple 2.
If the disk is already formatted, you can re-initialize it by choosing "SPECIAL"
then picking "ERASE DISK". You will be prompted for the disk type and
title.
SPECIAL NOTE:
Mac's can use windows disks, but windows computers can't use Mac disks.
Exercise #1
Insert a blank disk (please have somebody check for you!!!) into the computer and
initialize/format it. Wasn't that fun?
Copyright 1998 Christopher I. Cobitz
Questions regarding this page may be sent to
Christopher I Cobitz