Path: utzoo!utgpu!jarvis.csri.toronto.edu!mailrus!tut.cis.ohio-state.edu!purdue!decwrl!wam.UMD.EDU!russotto
From: russotto@wam.UMD.EDU
Newsgroups: comp.sys.mac
Subject: Re: Have you checked your backups lately?
Message-ID: <8904252223.AA00234@vs09csc.UMD.EDU>
Date: 25 Apr 89 22:23:29 GMT
References: <28718@apple.Apple.COM> <19510@genrad.UUCP> <39434@think.UUCP> <524@sys.uea.ac.uk> <39638@think.UUCP> <24679@etlcom.etl.JUNET>
Organization: University of Maryland, College Park
Lines: 42

In article <24679@etlcom.etl.JUNET> michel@etlcom.etl.JUNET (JoKeR) writes:
>
> It seems that recently we had a lot of various discussions about the usage
>and reliability of magnetic storage devices, the result of which could be
>summarized as  (one line per topic - majority opinion only) :
>
> 1- unused (backup) floppy disks should *not* be trusted for long
>
> 2- hard disks had better *not* be switched on and off everytime
>
> 3- floppies could suffer from (airport) Xrays exposure, but *not* hard disks
>
>
> But my main point is with the first topic: what about tapes and hard drives?
>
> How long can we trust our precious backup tapes or K7? (I would have believed
>the answer is "years", provided the stuff is stored in a normal place, but now
>I feel the urge to ask confirmation... all the more I *do* have a sun k7 I
>cannot read anymore - by the way, is there a remedy?) I also have some archival
>tapes I have not read for years (at least 2 or 3): is there something to fear?
>
> Also, what about a hard drive which remains off power in its box for months,
>a full year or even more?  Is is *absolutely* safe or is there some risk of
>data loss? 
>
> Thanks for your comments and answers. 
>
>
> -Michel.              <<<< P like in paranoia ? No, P like in prudence >>>>>


The only backup problem I have EVER had is with 3.5 inch floppies.  5.25 inch
floppies seem to keep indefinitely, and hard disks that haven't been
used don't seem to be problem, provided you give them time for the temperature
to adjust.

-- 
DISCLAIMER:  Not only does the University not share my opinions,
	     they don't want me sharing my opinions.
		"This 'Pnews', what does it do?"
	     Matthew T. Russotto
	     russotto@wam.umd.edu