When I was growing up, you had to keep magnets away from computers and other electronics. Magnets could single-handedly wipe drive and disk, and could play havoc with cables transmitting data. It was generally taught to me that these two should not be mixed with, barring the proper housing. However, magnets are everywhere with modern electronics and computers and it’s something that has been quietly puzzling me for quite some time now. Please someone, explain how this can be. I know there is a very simple answer to it, but my brain can’t conceptualize it.
In: 10
Older computers used mechanical hard drives using magnetic platters. And floppy drives that were magnetic. Or even older ones using cassette tapes, or the various types of tape drives used as backups well into the 90s, all of which were unshielded.
Modern computers are a little less sensitive because they are mostly all electronic.
And other than the fans there haven’t been magnets near computers… well ever. Oh, magnetic tipped screwdrivers. Those would have been strong enough to damage magnetic media like floppy and tape drives. Not hard drives unless the platters were exposed and you put the tip close to one.
So still keep them away.
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