Linux TAR backup

TAR (Tape Archiver)

Linux TAR backup

The TAR backup software, short for Tape Archiver, is a standard program in Unix/Linux. It was created in the first version of Unix and is widely used for data archiving and backup.

Although private users use it less frequently nowadays, in the Unix/Linux environment, the TAR program remains the most popular archiving tool due to its simplicity and flexibility. It allows for grouping multiple files and directories into a single archive, thereby preserving the structure of the original data.

A TAR archive file is not compressed by default, unlike ZIP files. Therefore, it is common to compress a TAR file using another compression program to reduce the size of the archive and save storage space. This is why we often encounter files with the .tar.gz extension, indicating that the TAR file has been compressed using the gzip program, which uses the GNU compression algorithm.

Compressing the TAR file with gzip offers many advantages, including significant reduction in archive size, faster data transmission, and storage space savings. It also makes handling compressed files easier as they can be extracted and restored quickly.

It is worth noting that besides gzip, there are other commonly used compression programs with TAR, such as bzip2 and xz, which offer higher compression rates but require more processing resources.

In summary, TAR is an essential backup software in the Unix/Linux environment, providing a convenient method for grouping and archiving files and directories. When combined with a compression program like gzip, it allows for creating compressed TAR archives (.tar.gz), offering an efficient solution for data backup and transmission.

Recovery / indexing on TAR tapes

When it comes to retrieving data from TAR-formatted backup tapes, it is essential to understand how this specific format works. In general, the TAR format employs a simple approach where the contents of files are simply concatenated one after another. Each file is preceded by a 512-byte header that contains information such as the file name, permissions, modification dates, and other metadata.

However, despite its simplicity, retrieving data from TAR tapes can sometimes present challenges. There can be several reasons for this, including tape reading errors, data corruption issues, or errors during the initial backup process.

This is where our company comes in to provide you with comprehensive assistance in recovering and/or indexing your TAR-formatted backup tapes. Our experts are highly qualified and experienced in handling and recovering data from this specific format.

Trust us to offer you top-notch expertise in TAR tape recovery and indexing. We make every effort to solve your backup issues and help you retrieve your important data. Feel free to contact us to discuss your specific needs and find the best solution for your situation. Our team is here to support you throughout the process and provide professional and reliable assistance.