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Why this application when there are other tools?

Applies to: RIDE 1.4 and later

The problems with current programs begin once you want to go beyond mere file import/export – because you either want to take more precise control over the filesystem or you stumble upon a filesystem that is corrupted. To be successfull, you would typically need more specialized tools, like a dumping tool, file tool, and a hexa-editor. The problem is that these tools don't communicate with each other to facilitate access to stored data. For instance, if you import a file by one tool, you will need to find its data manually using another tool. The Real and Imaginary Disk Editor (or RIDE, in short) attempts to eliminate this diversity by providing common solutions for dealing with data stored on a medium. The other benefits of this application are:

• It attempts to bridge the gap between classical "import/export application" and a simple data recovery tool in the realm of free software.
• It can automatically recognize the disk operating system (DOS) and corresponding disk format without user's intervention (though the user may step in).
• It supports the hard-to-find MDOS 2.0 filesystem (originally developed by Didaktik).
• It can read/write/format non-standard MS-DOS track structures, including FAT32 (Master Boot Record currently not supported, however).
• It doesn't attempt to shield you from any information available in a given filesystem – even critical values are at your disposal.
• It allows you to at least browse, edit, and eventually dump sectors of unsupported filesystems, including the most common errors (usually part of a copy-protection scheme).
• It supports access to some local devices, including real floppy drives.
• It supports high-DPI screens.