question re: native vs compressed capacity

[kaizer]

hello
i need some clarification
when i see a spec on a DDS tape of 12GB native/24GB compressed, what do i need to do to take advantage of the compressed capacity?
Does it mean that for example, i have to let my file server compress the data beforehand or, does the backup software do a compression of its own?

thx

 

[RichardMoran]

Usually you will have an option in the backup software you are using to specify the type of compression. You can choose 'software', which will use the backup software's compression method, or you can specify 'hardware', which will use the compression routines built into your tape drive.

The 12/24 is only a guide and is dependant on the type of files you are backing up. 24 is the upper limit, but you may only get about 18.

Rik

 

[kaizer]

thx very much - i think that clarifies it