The rate at which the data is being generated the world over is increasing at a tremendous pace. One major processing requirement for this data is to find appropriate storage space for it. Hence, a chain of storage media was introduced in the cyber market, one after the other, over a period of time. Out of these devices, a few served their purpose for some time and then became obsolete. Floppy disk is one such missing link in the world of digital storage.



History of Floppy Disk

Alan Shugart, who worked for IBM invented the floppy disk drive (FDD) in 1967. The first floppy disk was introduced into the market in 1969. It was a read-only 8-inch disk that could store 80 KB of data. The storage capacity of floppy disks was enhanced over time and by 1973 a floppy disk could store up to 256 KB of data. Floppy disks soon graduated from being read-only devices to become rewritable. In the late 90s, a 3-inch floppy disk could store 250 MB of data. At that time, floppy disk was considered to be a major revolution in the world of storage media. Because of their low cost and flexibility, they soon became very popular and were commonly used for moving smaller amounts of data and backup purposes. Floppy disks continued to reign unchallenged till late 90s.

What is a Floppy Disk?

A floppy disk is basically a data storage device that consists of a disk of thin and flexible magnetic storage medium enclosed in a plastic shell. One requires a floppy disk drive (FDD) to read and write data on a floppy disk. The FDD magnetically records information onto a floppy disk with the help of its magnetic heads. The data is stored on a floppy disk in concentric circles. An FDD rotates a floppy disk at 300 RPM, which is 10 to 30 times slower than a hard disk. Floppy disks come in three basic sizes i.e. 8-inch, 5-inch and 3-inch. Floppy disks are used by all sorts of people such as students, lawyers and administrators for backup and storage purposes.

Why are Floppy Disks Still Used?

Though the experts have long ago declared the floppy disks to be extinct and obsolete, still the fact is that floppy disks are sold in record numbers every year. Floppy disks have successfully served their purpose till now. The data stored on a floppy disk can easily be erased and it can be used to store data over and over again. However, this is not possible with ordinary CDs and DVDs. Small amounts of information can be stored on a floppy disk at a reasonable price. Floppy disks are still way ahead of the CDs and DVDs, when the price per unit is considered. Thus, they continue to be an affordable vehicle for information distribution.

How can Data be Lost from Floppy Disks?

Floppy disks basically being magnetic storage devices are highly sensitive to strong magnetic fields. Exposure to a very strong magnetic field may lead to loss of data. Floppy disks are also very susceptible to damage by high temperature, chemicals, dust, smoke and other pollutants. Flexing or bending of floppy disks may damage them, resulting in data loss. Data loss may also be caused by the sudden removal of a floppy disk from a drive when in use.

Floppy Disks and Data Recovery

Various DIY data recovery software are available on the internet and in the market that can be used to recover data from a dysfunctional floppy disk. One can try using these software to recover data from a floppy. Sometimes, floppy disks get badly damaged due to mishandling or negligence. In such a complicated situation, one can solicit the services of some reputed data recovery company to retrieve data from a floppy disk.

How to Take Care of Floppy Disks

Floppy disks should always be kept at a cool and clean place. Exposure to heat and dust may render them useless. Floppies should be stored in plastic containers in an upright position when not being used. Care should be taken to keep floppy disks away from strong magnetic fields. Important data stored on the floppy disks should be meticulously backed up on CDs and DVDs.