Path: utzoo!attcan!uunet!portal!cup.portal.com!Tom_TA2_Allebrandi From: Tom_TA2_Allebrandi@cup.portal.com Newsgroups: comp.sys.ibm.pc Subject: Re: Why Can't Microsoft Write Protect Their Distribution Disks? Message-ID: <5729@cup.portal.com> Date: 21 May 88 19:12:28 GMT References: <175@optilink.UUCP> Organization: The Portal System (TM) Lines: 28 XPortal-User-Id: 1.1001.4482 In general, I have noticed that IBM is the exception not the rule when it comes to distributing write protected media. Nothing for the PC that I have ppurchased over the last couple of years has been write protected. I always follow these rules: 1) Write protect all media. 2) If not copy protected, make diskcopys and place the originals in our fire safe. 3) proceed with installation from the backup copies. I find that vendors often include similar instructions in their installation guide. That's procedure, now opinion. Yes, I am annoyed that software manuafacturers do not distribute write protected media. My # 1 above protects against accidental writing while making the diskcopys! I do not though want the non writable disks like IBM uses - a standard disk with a write protect tab installed is fine for me. Then, when I get the perennial update, it will be easier to reuse the old floppies. (Yes I know I could cut a notch but they don't let me have sharp things to play with. :-) For our product, we will be using standard disk with write protect tabs in place. And, I won the argument about having an installation program that writes on the master media - we won't have one. ta2 Opinions are like , everyone has one or two. Except for some people I know who have three.