Apparently the PC (well, the disk-drive) needed to be moved to the lowest level possible such as a basement, where the earth's magnetic field is strongest.
That way when it was formatted, you could take it upstairs and the weaker magnetic field meant the disk's magnetic structure was stronger so it could be read.
This also caused the early-days meme of computer geeks being "basement dwellers".
That way when it was formatted, you could take it upstairs and the weaker magnetic field meant the disk's magnetic structure was stronger so it could be read.
This also caused the early-days meme of computer geeks being "basement dwellers".