Re: system backups with zip disks

[Scott Taylor <scott@dctchambers.com>]

Hi Jude,

At 10:18 AM 1/19/2003 -0500, Jude DaShiell wrote:
>It appears doing system backups with zip disks is using inappropriate
>hardware for a system administration task.

Good point.

>The parallel 250mb zip drive I have can handle at most 10 volumes then has 
>to be turned off to cool down for at least a half hour.

I really doubt that drive was made for more than copying a few files to it 
at a time. :)

>Unless there's something I don't understand about tar, it looks as if zip 
>and zipsplit will have to be used to write volumes.  I can write 6 volumes 
>then turn the drive off and let it cool down then come back and write 
>another six volumes once zipsplit has split them off the main archive.

That's sounds like a lot of work.  Have you ever tried to restore from this 
backup?

I would suggest that you only back up those files that are most important, 
like your database or home directory or what ever needs it most.  It's not 
necessary to back up the entire drive(s) every time, but if you feel it is, 
invest in a tape drive and BRU or some such.

Careful if you do buy a tape drive, check the price of media.  If you spend 
$200US on a tape drive, you may be spending over $75 on each tape.  higher 
end drives, like DAT drive, around $500-1200, the tapes are inexpensive, 
$10-20.

Good luck

Scott.