How Does a Tape Backup System Work?

A tape backup system refers to a tape drive storage device that reads and writes data on magnetic tape. The tape drive is mainly used for archival storage and is appreciated by computer wizards who appreciate its cost-efficiency and stability. The major difference between a tape backup system and a hard drive is that the tape drives operates according to sequential-access data, as opposed to a hard drive, which allows random-access data operation.

This means that while a hard drive has the capacity to move its heads to any part of the hard drive disk (and quickly at that) a tape backup system requires more time to wind the tape between reels, just to read one bit of data. However, you can't think of a tape system as slow in every respect; actually, tape drives have the ability to stream data very quickly, with continuous transfer rates up to 80 MB which is comparable to a high priced hard drive. It's just the "seeking process" that is slow.

Some users may not be aware that a tape backup system can be done manually or automatically with special software. Tape drives are still used by many companies and individual computer users who want an alternative means of backup besides a hard drive. They are also used to restore data in the event of a hard drive crash.

If you are interested in learning more about this cheap and potentially fast way of backing up data, then visit Revinetix at Revinetix.com. This company has had experience in assisting large corporations and institutions on tape backup system projects. They have assisted schools, government buildings and financial companies to back up their systems--data that is easily worth hundreds of thousands of dollars. For more information visit their official company website.