Floppy disk

Floppy disks are a type of disk storage that can store files, programs or games on a flexible magnetic disk. They first released in 1971 in the 8" form developed by IBM.

Why It Rocks

 * 1) It was a really popular format due to its ease of use, and it lasted until the early 2000's.
 * 2) It was the default storage format for a lot of computers, way before they had a hard disk.
 * 3) Unlike CD-R's, Floppies are designed to be rewriteable, and easily accessible from a file explorer. No need for any special programs or drivers.
 * 4) *Of course, CD-RW's appeared on the market years later.
 * 5) Back in the 80's it had a lot of space compared to cassette tapes.
 * 6) It had a lot of upgrades:
 * 7) *There were 3 popular size formats:
 * 8) **8" (Used in industrial and army environments)
 * 9) **5 1/4" (Popular in the 80's)
 * 10) **3.5" (The most recognizable and most popular one, also having the most space and being more durable)
 * 11) *Free space got bigger after time, thanks to different writing methods like Double Density and High Density floppies.
 * 12) The floppy disk became the icon of saving in video games and many software, like Microsoft Office and Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas.
 * 13) There are machines that still rely on floppy disks these days, like the Boeing 747.
 * 14) It is possible to get more space from a standard floppy disk using special software.
 * 15) Floppy disks can be read on modern systems too, with USB floppy readers for example.
 * 16) Even Nintendo gave the format a try. Twice.
 * 17) There are even floptical drives that increased storage up to 21MB, as well as SuperDisk's LS-120 and LS-240, increasing storage to 120MB or double the space. However, not a lot of software or hardware support them though.

Bad Qualities

 * 1) It can take a long time to write or read one floppy disk.
 * 2) The free space isn't that big compared to CD-ROMs.
 * 3) Floppy disks manufactured after the mid 90's can become unreadable after a long time.
 * 4) Floppies that use a newer writing method cannot be read on older floppy drives.
 * 5) * For example: High Density floppies cannot be read on Double Density drives.
 * 6) You need to format them properly if you want to make them bootable.
 * 7) *This is not needed if you just want to store files on them, only if you want to run an operating system (like MS-DOS) from it.
 * 8) They are very fragile. One scratch on the read surface, and the floppy becomes unusable.

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