[CLUE-Tech] tape backups

[Ed Hill]

On Wed, 2002-08-14 at 15:02, Mike Staver wrote:
> So, if the tape already had data on it, it would automagically just
> overwrite it?


It depends.  If you run:

  tar -rf /dev/st0  /path/to/backup

then it will append the files.  If you use: 

  tar -cf /dev/st0  /path/to/backup

then it will overwrite.  And you can see what (if anything) is on a tape
using:

  tar -tf /dev/st0


Note that on some older tape drive systems, you may have to re-wind the
tape using something like "mt rewind".  On most newer tape drives, the
unit will automatically rewind (and re-tension) for you.

I suggest that you:

  (1) browse the man and/or info pages for tar, and 

  (2) put a tape in your unit and try out the commands above 
        for a few small (test) directories before writing a 
        backup script and adding a crontab entry for it.

Ed

-- 
Edward H. Hill III, PhD 
Post-Doctoral Researcher   |  Email:  ed at eh3.com,  ehill at mines.edu
Division of ESE            |  URLs:   http://www.eh3.com
Colorado School of Mines   |    http://cesep.mines.edu/people/edhill.php
Golden, CO  80401          |  Phone:  303-273-3483    Fax: 303-273-3311