Labeling backups
Label your backup media with meaningful and accurate information
so you will be able to locate your data easily at a later date.
Example 3-1 Sample media label
---------------------------------------------------------------------- | Computer: pdxbox Backup Level: 0 (Complete) Date: 30 Dec 1994| | Filesystem: /usr | | Save Until: 30 Dec 1995 | | Performed by: elvis Volume 1 of 3| |---------------------------------------------------------------------|The date on the label, and the date from which you calculate the ``Save Until'' date, should be the date of the business day last covered by the backup. This is to avoid confusion if it becomes necessary to restore information from this tape.
Color-coding labels can help you easily locate a backup by backup level.
Table 3-2 Sample backup label color scheme
---------------------------------------------------------------- Backup Volume Save for Vitality Label level size how long (importance) marker ---------------------------------------------------------------- 0 (Complete) - 1 year critical red sticker 1 - 4 months necessary yellow sticker 2 - 3 weeks useful blue stickerIf there is more than one tape for a single backup, mark the date label on each volume to indicate the volume number and number of volumes, such as ``1 of 2'' and ``2 of 2'' for a two-volume backup. Finally, place a label on the side of the box or enclosure marked with the name of the computer, the filesystem, and the backup level completed.
See also: