Re: Util Disk Images

[mjmahon@aol.com (Michael J. Mahon)]

Rubywand wrote:

>     Would definitely include Copy II+ versions for DOS 3.3 only (e.g. v5.x)
>and ProDOS/DOS 3.3 (e.g. v7.4).  Also DiskMuncher, ShrinkIt v3.4....

I've been quite wary of DiskMuncher since I discovered (the hard way)
that it does not verify its formats/writes.  Since DM formats the disk,
it is important to verify that there are no surface defects.

Because of its speed, I used to use it weekly to back up financial
data disks.  When I had a crash, I pulled out my backups and found
a blown sector in the middle of a critical file.  ;-(

Over the next two days, I learned more than I ever planned about
low-level disk formats, running EORs, and "slipped nibbles"! 
I finally fixed the blown nibble and thus the sector, and got my
backup back--but it left me with strong impressions about
DiskMuncher.  ;-)  This was one case where omitting a step for
speed compromised the mission:  making a reliable copy!

-michael

 Email:  mjmahon@aol.com
 Home page:  http://members.aol.com/MJMahon/