1. Have a current set of system boot diskettes. If you don't have them or want an extra set, see the System Issues application note and make a set.
2. Tapes are cheaper than lost data. Make sure you have a set of
10 (yes, ten) tapes that are in good shape. Label them as follows:
MONDAY
TUESDAY
WEDNESDAY
THURSDAY
FRIDAY1A
FRIDAY1B
FRIDAY2
FRIDAY3
FRIDAY4
FRIDAY5
When you initialize the tapes, be sure to use the same names as the physical labels. Because the software tape labels are limited to 8 characters, the WEDNESDAY tape will actually say WEDNESDA but otherwise they should match.
Here's how to use them. Monday-Thursday, use the appropriate tape. The first Friday of the month use the FRIDAY1 tape. The second Friday use the FRIDAY2 tape and so on. Why are there two FRIDAY1 tapes? You should send us the FRIDAY1 tape after a successful backup is taken on the FRIDAY2 tape. We will test it and return the other FRIDAY1 tape to you. That way we always have a backup of your system that is less than two months old.
Please, when you label the FRIDAY1 tapes, be sure to put your company name on the tape as well as the tape name. A stack of FRIDAY1 tapes in our office belonging to 20 customers but with no names is a recipe for disaster.
3. Tape life: tapes will typically last 50-75 uses. Since the Monday-Thursday tapes are used once a week, replacing them every year is probably about right. The Friday tapes will last for at least several years since they are used less often.
4. Want to run a drill to make sure you have everything you need to restore a dead (or missing) system? Good idea. Call us a few days ahead and we will send you instructions on how to do it. The whole process will take about an hour; do it once a year and sleep soundly the rest of the time.