They're not much in demand any more these days, but not too long ago, floppy disks were a common data storage tool. Due to the explosion of other digital media formats, floppy disks have almost disappeared, but some businesses still use them to back up files.

If you're looking for floppy disks, you probably have an old DOS-based computer sitting around somewhere that you still use for minimal data storage.

Business operators still use floppy disk models in some situations:

1. For use in one of yesterday's desktop computer models that has never been upgraded to full digital compatibility with new media devices.
2. To back up old files that are still on floppy diskettes and cannot be taken off of an old disk drive.
3. As part of a "historic" computing project meant to educate staff or clients on technology.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Get 3.5 floppy diskettes

If you still use floppy diskettes every day, you're probably dealing with the 3.5 inch style. These disks come in a hard plastic shell, but they're still called 'floppies.' The shell protects the round data disk from exposure. These floppies were very common just a few years ago, and they're still in supply some places if you find that you need a few extra.

I recommend: Check 3.5 floppy diskette deals on Old Software. For standard purchases on 3.5 floppy diskettes, check out the types available at YesBuy.

Seek old 5.25 floppy diskettes

If you go back a few more years, businesses and individuals used different styles of floppy disks for handling data. These 5.25 inch styles were the true 'floppies,' as they consisted of a soft plastic square that protected the disk. The 5.25 inch case kept dust and moisture out, but did not protect against bending!

I recommend: Get 5.25 floppy diskette types priced per box at TotalMedia. You can also find deals on bulk buys of these older, larger floppies at floppy disk suppliers or floppy diskette vendors sites like FloppyDisc.com.

Find extra features on floppy diskettes

When the 3.5 floppy diskettes were in vogue, lots of them had extra storage features. Look for these special kinds of FD: double-sided floppy disk models provide extra storage. Also look for high capacity floppy diskettes and 'high density' floppy disk models for added storage capacity. Remember, as the floppies were an older medium, you won't be getting the many megabytes provided by new flash drives or compact disk technologies.

I recommend: Look for high-density floppies from Fujifilm on sites like XPPassport. Instawares sells Maxell double-sided floppies by the box for traditional data storage.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Stock up. When you do find a good deal on these obsolete peripherals, get as many as you need. It will only get harder to find floppy disk models as less and less computers still have floppy drives. Eventually, they will all be just collector's items in museums.