Linux Server Backup Solutions

[James Brigman]

>> Good grief, what kind of tape were you using?  QIC?

> Exabyte


That's about the only other answer I can think of that would be as bad
as QIC. 

People were pushing Exabyte tape libraries off their loading docks
(literally) as far back as 1994. The EX-120 (anyone remember that
disaster of a product?) would use up a couple cleaning tapes a week just
to keep it running.

If you're stuck with the Exabyte, buy lots of cleaning tapes and use
them often to keep the heads clean. It ought to work a tad bit better
that way. Then use the $$ cost of the cleaning tapes to justify
something sane, like a DLT.

Going with another hard drive for disk-to-disk backup would be a huge
improvement. You could build a raw TB of IDE drive space for about
$1000. 

Another option might be to do incrementals to disk and weekend fulls to
the tape drive. Only problem there is that you won't be around
(hopefully) when the drive jams.

Heck, just go to ebay and buy a DLT 7000 or so. Your life will change
dramatically for the better. Here's an excellent solution for cheap:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=39978&item=413072
8128&rd=1

or..

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=39978&item=413073
1712&rd=1

The little old STK Timberwolf was revolutionary in it's simplicity,
reliability and tape library goodness. People used to fight over the
used ones before STK came out with a replacement. Guaranteed to enhance
any System Admin's career and peace of mind.


JKB