Comparing floppy disks in DOS Which DISKCOMP syntax compares the disk in drive A with the disk in drive B, limiting the comparison to the first side and only the first 8 sectors of each track?

Introduction / Context:
When verifying floppy disks, DISKCOMP compares two disks sector-by-sector. Technicians may narrow the scope to only the first side and specific sectors to save time or target suspected problem areas.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• Drive A and B are floppy drives.
• Switch /1 means “compare only side 1” (single-sided comparison).
• Switch /8 means “compare only the first 8 sectors per track.”

Concept / Approach:

DISKCOMP syntax accepts drive letters followed by switches. Combining /1 and /8 restricts the comparison, reducing time and head movement while still checking the specified subset.

Step-by-Step Solution:

Verification / Alternative check:

Run DISKCOMP A: B: without switches, then compare runtime and reported coverage; the limited command executes faster and reports only the subset, confirming correct switch interpretation.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

a: DISKCOPY copies disks; it does not compare.

c: Missing /1; it would compare both sides for the first 8 sectors only.

d: Missing /8; it would compare full sectors per track on side 1 only.

e: Not applicable because the combined /1/8 syntax is correct.

Common Pitfalls:

Confusing the numeral “1” with the letter “l” in documentation; ensure you use /1 not /l. Also, ensure disks share the same format.

Final Answer:

DISKCOMP A: B:/1/8