Month: December 2013
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Ubuntu: How to use multiple cores with tar gzip compression
One thing you may have noticed when using the z switch with tar is that the compression can take some time! If you look at your CPU usage, though, you’ll notice that only one core is being utilised to compress the files. In a modern system 4 or 8 cores are common, meaning that…
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Ubuntu: How to add or append a file to an existing tape backup
Sometimes you may with to add files to an existing backup; if you issue a command like: tar -cvf /dev/st0 backupfiles …and the tape is not already set to the end of the previous archive you will over-write any data from the position on the tape. Use the “eom” command to move…
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Ubuntu: Using compression on your tape backups
If you have compressible data you may save space on you tapes by using compression; this comes at a cost of CPU cycles to do the compressing, which can often be a worthwhile tradeoff for a long-term backup. To do this is quite simple – add in the -z switch to your tar command.…
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Ubuntu: Using tar to span a backup across multiple tapes
Following on from the article on writing files to a tape backup, what happens if you want to back up more than what fits on a single tape? Here we want to use the –multi-volume switch, or -M. Use it so: tar -cvMf /dev/[path-to-tape] [backup folder or files] As a working example:…
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How to test and check a HP StoreWorks Ultrium tape drive
With used tape drives falling in price they are now finding their ways into the hands of more home storage enthusiasts; one should be wary about purchasing a tape drive in unknown condition, though, as there’s a good chance that it may be faulty or require servicing. One way to check the status of…
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How to update the firmware of a HP tape drive – StorageWorks Ultrium 448
The quickest and easiest way of updating the firmware is through HP’s Library and Tape Tools – at the time of writing it is available here: http://h18006.www1.hp.com/products/storageworks/ltt/ Click on the “Link to free download” link to acquire the software. Assuming you have the correct drivers for your setup (SCSI/SAS/etc card), the tape…
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Windows 8 or 8.1 – how to change default program for opening files
Another Windows 8/8.1 question from someone who wanted to stop their OS opening PDFs with the default Win8 app and instead use SumatraPDF. Hit the Windows key to bring up the Start screen and type “defaults”. Then select Default App Settings and you’ll be presented with a screen showing a few common file…
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Windows 8 or 8.1: How to lock the computer or login session
Someone asked us how to find the “lock” button on Windows 8 the other day – it’s not under the “power” button, which only provides you with the options of sleep/shutdown/restart. Try this shortcut from anywhere in the OS: Windows Key + L Quick and easy – though not obvious!
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Pre-format checklist!
Formatting your system to reinstall or upgrade your OS, or to try a new one? Here’s a few things worth checking before you do… Export browser bookmarks Deactivate programs (e.g. Adobe CS*) Download updated drivers Check your Downloads folder for anything you might want to save Check your Documents folder for the same…