Some standalones can copy DMF or XDF formats. Autoloaders can copy these and other special formats. Sometimes you need to take some files off a network and put them on a disk without creating a master disk first. This might happen if your products update constantly or if you are sending out customized information where every disk is different. This is an area where autoloaders really excel.
Serialization puts a unique serial number on each disk.
Many companies use serial numbers to catch illegal copying or to limit how many users are allowed to use the program at a time. Some people like to copy the disks with a standalone and then serialize them in a separate pass with an autoloader. Copy protection puts a special signature on the floppy disk so that it cannot be copied. If you want a very strong level of protection, you can use Az-Tech's Everlock or BBI's StopCopy protection schemes. With an autoloader, the protection can be applied while disks are being copied or later in a separate pass.