Activating write protection on diskettes or on files that are on your computer that are important to you is very crucial. The files that you would generally apply it to are ones that you do not want to be accidentally altered in any way. Another word for write protection is ‘Read Only‘. This means that the document being viewed can only be read, not edited. You can tell that a document is read only if you try to edit it and get absolutely nowhere. In fact, most word processors indicate that the file is read only at the top of the open document where the file name is displayed. For example, if you open a write protected, or read only, document in Microsoft Word called ‘business.doc’, you would see at the top of the document window “business.doc (read only)”.

The reasons why people use write protection varies. There is even an option to password protect the write protection (read only) option so that no one can edit the document to suit their needs. Sometimes write protection is employed when a document is confidential or of high importance and must not be altered in any way, which could result in the tone of the document being changed and thus the wrong is passed on. This could result in serious repercussions for all involved. Write protection is also used on diskettes when someone does not want files to be added or deleted. This is accomplished by flipping the write protect switch located at the base of the diskette into the lock position. In any instance, using write protect, or read only, will help to save you hours of work and give you peace of mind. Just remember to password protect any document you wish to remain read only so that no one else can alter it.