XPost: comp.os.linux.advocacy, comp.os.linux.misc   
   From: nospam@needed.invalid   
      
   On Wed, 9/25/2024 3:51 AM, Carlos E.R. wrote:   
   > On 2024-09-22 20:02, Mark Lloyd wrote:   
   >> On Sat, 21 Sep 2024 19:34:31 +0100, The Natural Philosopher wrote:   
   >>   
   >> [snip]   
   >>   
   >>>> Millions of people bought the 8088: the original IBM PC and its clones   
   >>>> used it. Interestingly, the Amstrad PC used the 8086. And Olivetti, but   
   >>>> dunno if all models.   
   >>>>   
   >>>>   
   >>> My PC clone had an NEC V20 and a hard drive of a monumental 20MB IIRC.   
   >>> It was all I could afford   
   >>   
   >> I had a V20 too, and (at least where I bought it) I could get a 30MB (RLL)   
   >> for only $20 more than the 20MB. It was one where you could still do a   
   >> low-level format. Enter DEBUG and a command like "G=C000:000C". I first   
   >> got Spinrite because it could change the interleave,   
   >   
   > I had an Amstrad PC 1512 DD, ie, dual floppy. I later bought a HD mounted on   
   a card, 32 megs which apparently was the maximum that could be done. Friends   
   of mine had a 10MB HD and complained it was full. So I went for bigger.   
   >   
   > Yes, I remember the low-level format thing. The program in my case asked for   
   an interleave factor, and there was a recommendation for 3. I tested several   
   values, and something like 12 got double speed. Amazing at the time. There was   
   also a table of bad    
   sectors to enter manually, but it did not work right because the format found   
   bad sectors and marked them as such in the FAT.   
   >   
   > I still have that machine, should still run. Walk.   
      
   It's better to leave the unit in the cardboard box :-)   
      
   The head on that drive, has probably welded itself   
   to the surface of the platter. Drives back then   
   did not have plastic landing ramps, like they do today.   
      
   There is nothing wrong with turning it on, but it could   
   damage or rip the head off it. It doesn't have to end well.   
      
   If you turn it on and hear a "strange noise", just put it   
   back in the box. No one will know.   
      
      Paul   
      
   --- SoupGate-Win32 v1.05   
    * Origin: you cannot sedate... all the things you hate (1:229/2)