tape(1)                                                      tape(1)


       NAME
             tape - magnetic tape maintenance

       SYNOPSIS
             tape [-type] command [device]

       DESCRIPTION
             tape sends commands to and receives status from the tape
             subsystem.  tape can communicate with QIC-24/QIC-02 cartridge
             tape drives and SCSI tape drives.

             tape reads /etc/default/tape to find the default device name
             for sending commands and receiving status.  For example, the
             following line in /etc/default/tape will cause tape to
             communicate with the first cartridge tape device:
                   device = /dev/rmt/ctape1

             If a device name is specified on the command line, it
             overrides the default device.

          Files
             /dev/rmt/ctape*
             /dev/rmt/ntape*
             /etc/default/tape
             /usr/include/sys/tape.h

       USAGE
          Flags
             tape takes the following flag:

             -type Specify the type of tape drive, where type can be c for
                   non-SCSI devices, and s for SCSI devices.  This option
                   is maintained for backward compatibility with SCO
                   systems only.  On UnixWare systems, both SCSI and non-
                   SCSI tape drives are handled in a common manner by the
                   same target driver (st01), thus specifying type has no
                   effect.

          Commands
             The following commands are supported:

             erase       Erase and retension the tape cartridge.

             reset       Reset tape controller and tape drive.  This
                         command clears error conditions and returns tape
                         subsystem to power-up state.


                           Copyright 1994 Novell, Inc.               Page 1

      tape(1)                                                      tape(1)


            reten       Retension tape cartridge.  This command should be
                        used periodically to remedy slack tape problems.
                        Tape slack can cause an unusually large number of
                        tape errors.

            rewind      Rewind to beginning of tape.

            rfm         Wind tape forward to the next file mark.

            The reset command can be used while the tape is busy with
            other operations.  All other commands wait until the currently
            executing command has been completed before proceeding.

            When you are using the non-rewinding tape device or the tape
            command rfm, the tape drive light remains on after the command
            has been completed, indicating that more operations may be
            performed on the tape.  The tape rewind command may be used to
            clear this condition.

      REFERENCES
            backup(1M), cpio(1), dd(1M), restore(1M), st01(7), tar(1),
            xrestore(1M)


























                          Copyright 1994 Novell, Inc.               Page 2