Quantum DLT 2000 Handbook page 162

ing your DLTtape drive and media. These tips cover our standalone
DLTtape systems. For operational information on other DLTtape
automation systems and backup software, you should consult your
system vendor directly or visit their Web site.
DLTtape Media Do's & Don'ts
As the importance and volume of information continues to
increase year after year, the need for reliable, long-term data storage
grows with it. The DLTtape half-inch cartridge provides one of the
most efficient and durable ways to store information. A DLTtape
cartridge is just over four inches square and one inch thick. Yet,
thanks to its single-reel design, a DLTtape cartridge packs 10,000
square inches of high-grade tape inside its case. Competing tech-
nologies provide just a fraction of that storage space.
When stored properly, a DLTtape cartridge has an archive life of at
least 30 years with just a five percent loss in magnetic strength. So,
what should you do and not do when it comes to your DLTtape
cartridges?
Don't Drop Cartridges. It goes without saying that you shouldn't
drop your DLTtape cartridges. However, if you do drop one, don't
panic. The DLTtape cartridge, in its protective outer box, has been
designed to withstand a fall from table height (approximately three
feet) without damage. If your cartridge should sustain a fall like
this, you'll want to check it anyway by examining the casing for
cracks and bulges. You should also shake the cartridge to make
sure nothing has broken inside. Any rattling sounds indicate inter-
nal damage. If a cartridge appears or sounds damaged in any way,
it should not be used. If you drop a cartridge from a height greater
than three feet, say a closet shelf, we recommend you not use that
16.2 USING THE DLTtape SYSTEM