Last Modified: Monday, 03-May-2004 13:59:20 EDT

Data Backup Devices and Media in the CSB Core

Much of the online data in the CSB Core is regularly backed up and archived by the staff. However, there are a number of instances in which you may need to use backup media:

• Your data is on a filesystem that is not part of the CSB backup schedule (eg, /srv/frames or /srv/temp).
• You want an archive copy.
• You need to import/export data from/to another site.

Go to Tape drive location or Non-tape backup media.

Tape Devices and media

Tape is still the cheapest alternative for large-capacity, semi-archival storage. The half-life of most tape media is about 5-10 years. Media supported by the core is listed below. Prices reflect the Yale institutional contract from CDWG, as of October 28, 2003. You (or your lab) is responsible for purchasing the tapes that you use.

Drive Type	Media	Capacity(GB) Uncompressed /Compressed	Max Speed MB/sec	Cost	Cents per MB uncompressed	Comments
Exabyte 8500	8mm	7/14 5/10	0.5/ 1.0	$11 $4	158 80	Most common for general purpose
DDS2	4mm	1.2/2.4	?	?	?	Not recommended.
DDS3	4mm	1.2/2.4	?	?	?	Not recommended.
TZ88 (DLT4000)	DLT-III	20/40	?	N/A	N/A	No longer supported. Read old tapes on DLT7000.
DLT7000	DLT-IV	35/70	~2?	$33	94	Reliable
Exabyte Mammoth 2	8mm AME	60/120 40/80 20/50	>20	$83 $56 $37	138 140 185	Fastest -- but using networked files, your top speed will not exceed 10MB/s.

All tape media should be handled with care. Dropping, heating, cooling, soaking, slamming, or shouting abuse at tape cartridges may harm the media and the tape drive. Exposing tapes to a magnetic field will result in data loss.

Non-Tape Backup Media

The Core supports Iomega Zip drives on PC/Windows systems. We have had bad luck with Jaz drives, and their use is deprecated. We also have CD-RW drives on PC/Windows systems.

The Core also supports firewire hard drives on PC/linux and PC/Windows systems. Documentation is oriented toward synchrotron use, but firewire drives may be used for other purposes as well.

All of the Core Windows PCs have CD-RW drives. In addition, rigger has a DVD writer.

The Linux workstation loon in the graphics room has an internal CD writer and an external DVD writer. At the command line, simply type "burncd" or "burndvd" to start up the (same) graphical user interface for CD/DVD creation. If you need the DVD writer moved to another Linux workstation, please inquire of the Core staff.

This is accurate as of November 18, 2003. The configuration will probably change.

Type	Name	Location
8mm	beetle:/dev/rmt/tps3d4v.8500c beetle:/dev/rmt/tps3d5v.8500c	On printer table near window
DLT7000	bao2:/dev/rmt/tps1d3v.7000c	Toaster-shaped computer North end user area
Mammoth2	beetle:/dev/rmt/tps4d5vc	On table with printers
4mm	poo2:/dev/rmt/tps1d4	Toaster-shaped computer opposite printer table
4mm	oso2:/dev/rmt/tps1d3vc	Toaster-shaped computer North end user area

Last Modified: Monday, 03-May-2004 13:59:20 EDT