Manual

Page 26 of 74IIe
Printed: Tuesday, March 4, 2003 10:40:15 AM
Utilities
Utility disks are disks like the ProDOS User's Disk that contain a variety of general-purpose
programs that let you do things like copy files, copy the contents of whole disks, list the
directories of disks, rename files, check disks for flaws that could sabotage your data, and
format disks.
Each operating system has its own set of utility programs. ProDOS utilities are on the ProDOS
User's Disk. DOS 3.3 utilities are on the DOS 3.3 System Master Disk. Pascal utilities are on
the Pascal System disk. Your Apple dealer can tell you how to acquire the appropriate
utilities disk, but most of the time the utilities you need will be right on the application
program disk itself (especially if it's a Pascal-based program).
Assuming your program doesn't include a formatting option, how can you tell which operating
system your program uses so you know how to format your data disks? Often the operating system
will be printed on the label of the program disk, or will be mentioned in the program's manual.
If it's not, consult your dealer or the developer of the program for guidance.
Backing Up Your Data
When you save data on a disk, it's a good idea to make copies of your data on two separate
disks. Making an extra copy takes only a few seconds, and it will save hours if anything
happens to your original.
It's also a good idea to save your data frequently. If you type for an hour without saving
your work, a power failure or a friend tripping over the power cord will erase everything in
RAM. If you get in the habit of saving your work every ten minutes (and after every
particularly inspired entry), you can smile in the face of power failures and clumsy friends.
Keeping two copies as you go along is one good backup strategy. You can also copy disks at the
end of the day using the Copy a Volume program on the ProDOS User's Disk. You'll learn more
about copying disks in the ProDOS User's Manual that came with your disk drive.
Copy a Volume:
The Copy a Volume program will copy disks regardless of their operating system.
Chapter 4 Summary
Main Parts of the Computer
Microprocessor: Does the computing. Carries out the instructions in computer programs.
RAM: Short for random-access memory. This is where programs and data are stored temporarily.
Whatever is in RAM goes away when the power goes off.
ROM: Short for read-only memory. Permanent memory. Contains, among other things, information
the computer needs to get started.
Four Steps to Using a Computer
Starting up: Put a program disk in drive 1 and turn on the power.
Creating information: Use the keyboard to create letters, budgets, charts.