Finally got a tape drive

[fosin]

I finally broke down and bought a tape drive :D

It's a:
Seagate Scorpion DDS-3 Black model std224000n
w/ adaptec 2940au scsi card
cleaning tape
I was wanting a used DVD-RAM but this was new, bigger, and cheaper at $150, so I jumped on it.

Looks like XP has drivers for it already. Do these things show up as a drive letter or do you have to have backup software to write to them? We have a copy of Segate at work or do you recommend something else?

How often does the cleaning tape need to be run?

On DAT drives, do I have to use their recommended tape or will a generic DDS3 work?

Thanks!

[Mntsnow]

Your going to love that drive!

The seagate software works nicely. and if you find it lacking you might check into Veritas's full fledged backup software (but it's expensive!)

The Drive most likely has a light on it that will stay lit when the tape is out which means it's due for a cleaning. (I personally run my cleaning tape thru once a month)

[linux_guru]

Any brand tape should work fine. :cool:

[Mntsnow]

Ohh Sorry I totally missed the question about "what brand" of tapes. Linux_guru is correct... I personally use Maxell mainly but have Sony, Verbatium, TDK, Fuji, HP and they all work just fine. As for my cleaning tapes they are Sony branded currently as I got a smokin deal on them awhile ago

[fosin]

Thanks, I got some verbatiums. Man, tapes for this thing are dirt cheap :).