Need Help!- Saving programs -Floppy drive ?

[chipsinpan]

On my Partner 1 /Cent 5 I am having trouble backing up my programs to the floppy drive . Programs are retained OK in the control, but I always feel better if I can save to disc . I have been thru 2 drives in the last year ( used ones ) . I find this is still a valid way to move programs from machine to machine , but would I be better off outputting thru the RS 238 port to a laptop , or even an older desktop and storing in the hard drive ?
Is this a hard thing to do ? I do have the offline simulator programs in my office computer , and as I do not have my 2 machines networked , I still write programs , and walk the floppies out to the shop to load them into the machine . I do not presently have the need for a cad program .
Keep it simple please !

[mholden]

here is the rs232 info

[chipsinpan]

Since it appears I only need 3 wires , can I use an extension cord for the wire , or do I need a shielded cord ? also is there a limit to the length of cord ?
can I go 25 ft without losing a signal ?
I have some shelves next to my 2 machines that I have an older win98 on that prints our shop memos , and shipping tags . I would work out nicly if I can just plug in a cord when I want to transfer data .

[mholden]

You will need a shield cable and 25 feet is fine

[Tempus]

I use really cheap laptops with floppys and rs232 ports. Once a program is running perfect (all modifications made and tested) I backup to the laptop, backup to floppy, backup to design computer, and once a month, backup all programs to CD, which is taken home and put in fireproof safe. Maybe it seems as if that's overkill, but I'm pretty sure I can restore anything that ever gets lost or destroyed.

The other direction: Design, save to floppy, put in laptop, load to mill.

Good luck.