Using Labeled Tapes - HP Guardian User Manual

10

Using Labeled Tapes

Tapes and the tape drives that run them are an integral part of the operations
environment, because most companies rely on tapes to back up and store critical data.
A labeled tape contains a record at the beginning of the tape that identifies the tape
volume and the files on the tape. If labeled-tape processing is enabled on your system,
you can use labeled tapes with programs such as BACKUP, RESTORE, and FUP.
Compaq supports both ANSI and IBM labeled-tape formats.
You must use a TAPE DEFINE to access a file on a labeled tape. A TAPE DEFINE is a
named set of attributes and values that you use to specify information about a tape file
such as the volume ID, tape density, and operator mount messages.
This section explains how to use the MEDIACOM program to perform routine
operations relating to the tapes and tape drives on your system:
Topic
How Labeled-Tape Processing Works
The MEDIACOM Interface
Tape Processing Modes
Common Labeled Tape Activities
Handling Labeled Tape Messages and Requests
Creating and Modifying Labeled Tapes
Premounting and Scratching Labeled Tapes
Compressing a Tape Dump File
Solving Common Tape Subsystem Problems
For more information about using MEDIACOM, see the DSM/Tape Catalog Operator
Interface (MEDIACOM) Manual.
MEDIACOM replaces the TAPECOM utility. If you have not yet switched from
TAPECOM and need more information about it, see the Guardian Disk and Tape
Utilities Reference Manual.
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