Backup ( tar ) on SCO Unix Sys/V -Version 3.2.4.2

[salimwng]

I am actually using 'tar' command to backup my data files on Wangtek SCSI Tape Drive. However, i have noticed that my data files has much increased in terms of size and it's asking me a second tape. The problem is that the backup starts automatically at night ( 2:00 a.m. ) and the day after when we comes in we need to cancel the backup because nobody will be able to access the files.

I would like to know the command we need to give so that the backup is compressed first and then being 'tared' to the tape and then returns the files to normal.

E.g. on Windows system it allows file compression for backups. What about SCO Unix Sys/V - Ver 3.2.4.2 ? Is there any feature / programs / scripts we need to add ?

Many thanks
Salim

 

[trunix]

Compression is usually carried out either by the tape drive itself, or by selecting a 'compression' tape device file.

The names vary on different hardware, but check what device files you have in /dev/rmt. Usually there will be 'c' option for your tape device. Using this device will compress the files.

 

[salimwng]

Hi Thanks for replying.

I checked in /dev/rmt and found the following info;

crw-rw-rw- 6 root other 46, 4 Apr 04 11:31 0b
crw-rw-rw- 4 root other 46, 12 Aug 30 2000 0bn

But as you can see there's no 'c' in that. What do you suggest ?

Best regards.
Salim

 

[edfair]

For the long-term health of your installation you might want to look into one of the "super-tar" products. Compression is an option and you get verification. Ed Fair
unixstuff@juno.com
Any advice I give is my best judgement based on my interpretation of the facts you supply. Help increase my knowledge by providing some feedback, good or bad, on any advice I have given.

 

[pcunix]

See

http://pcunix.com/Reviews/supertars.html

Tony Lawrence
SCO Unix/Linux Resources

http://pcunix.com

tony@pcunix.com