- This guide is for practitioners aiming to preserve floppy disks by creating disk images, focusing on 8-inch, 5.25-inch, 3.5-inch, and 3-inch disks.
- It assumes basic knowledge of digital preservation, familiarity with tools like write blockers, and comfort with configuring software and using command lines.
- Key steps include identifying the floppy disk type, acquiring compatible hardware (drives and controllers), cleaning and maintaining disks and drives, imaging via flux stream capture, and further analysis.
- Identification involves examining disk labels, holes, notches, and regional variations to determine density, sides, and format for appropriate hardware selection.
- Hardware acquisition requires matching drives (e.g., TEAC for 5.25-inch, Shugart for 8-inch) and controllers (e.g., Greaseweazle for general use, Applesauce for Apple disks), with attention to cables and power supplies.
- Cleaning and maintenance cover drive head cleaning, disk inspection for mold or damage, and preventive care to ensure reliable imaging.
- Imaging emphasizes flux-level capture for raw magnetic data, using tools like Greaseweazle or Applesauce, with analysis via software like HxC Floppy Emulator to troubleshoot and create disk images.
- Further steps include consulting online communities, forums, and resources for help, and considering emulation for accessing files from disk images.