[NTLUG:Discuss] scsi tape library question

[Chris Cox]

Fred James wrote:
> Chris Cox wrote:
...snip...
>>
>> Install mtx ... it will use the SCSI generic device (e.g. /dev/sg0
>> or /dev/sg1 or something like that) to communicate with the robotics.
>> Since I have an Overland Data, I would expect success.  mtx is
>> very easy to use.  You'll access the tape (once loaded using mtx)
>>
> "mtx" will then handle the library (tape changer) as well?
> 

Uh.. yes... in fact that is exactly what mtx manages... the robotic
unit inside of the tape changer.  It has commands to move tapes
from slot to the tape unit and back (and more commands).

Once the tape is loaded into the tape unit, use the normal
SCSI tape device to manipulate (read/write).  You use the
mt (not mtx) commands to manipulate a tape device (to move
forward/backward/rewind).  Use things like tar/cpio to
do reading/writing to the tape.