DVD Backup

Contents

Back to Data Backup index

Overview

Data can be backed up to DVDs using a Web-based interface. An entire directory tree may be chosen for archiving onto DVDs, or individual directories may be selected. Jobs can be submitted and tracked using the same interface. Once the backup has completed, the DVDs are mailed directly to the User group. Due to the large demand for DVD backups, it is no longer possible to offer the option to pick up the DVDs personally.


Logging in

The DVD system is accessed via a web interface. To use the system, type your Unix account name and password in the login page and click on Submit.


Selecting directories and files

  • By default, Blu-Ice writes image files to the /data disk. Click on /data/accountname in the Available Directories window to locate your diffraction data.
  • Clicking on the name of a directory in the Available Directories window will list the contents of the directory. Clicking on the + icon to the left of a directory name in the Available Directories window will expand the directory tree.
  • Select directories to be copied by clicking on them in Available Directories and then clicking SELECT >>, or by clicking and dragging directories from Available Directories directly to Selected Directories.
  • Sub-directories will be included on the DVDs if the Include Sub-Directories check box is checked when a directory is selected.
  • Symbolic links deserve special care. The target file pointed to by a symbolic link will be included in the backup. However, if the link points to another directory in the file system, neither the target directory nor the files within it will be part of the backup.
  • Remove entries from the Selected Directories list by clicking on them and then clicking REMOVE <<.
  • Specify that a new DVD should be started by clicking New Disk >>. The ---New Disk--- indicator will appear at the bottom of the Selected Directories list.
  • Files can be selected based on File filters. More than one file type can be selected for backup by separating filters with spaces. For example, all image and scan files can be selectively backed up by typing: *.img *.mccd *.bip *scan.

Submitting the job

  • Choose a Unique Job Name no more than 20 characters in length. The Unique Job Name will be printed on the DVD label and may not contain spaces or certain special characters such as double quotes (") or backslashes (/). If these characters are used, the following error will occur; "unable to create job file".
  • Submit options

  • Check Burn 2 copies of DVD if you would like to receive two copies of each DVD.
  • You may ask to see the complete list of files to be burned onto your DVDs by checking Show me the full list of files to be copied before proceeding. Note that generating the full list may take several minutes. To make changes to the DVD job before submitting it to the queue, use the 'back' button on your browser.
  • Click on Next >>.
  • Once Next >> has been clicked, a list of directories that will be backed up will be displayed for verification. A full listing of files will be shown if requested on the previous page. This list may take extra time to create if a large number of files is selected.
  • Before the job can be submitted, all shipping information must be supplied. Fill in your name, e-mail, contact phone number and address. Verify that these are correct to avoid delays. Your job's status will be periodically e-mailed to you.
  • Click on Finish to submit the job.

Checking the job status or aborting a job.

  • After submitting a backup job, the progress can be checked using the DVD jobs page link.
  • The DVD jobs page contains a table listing all active jobs (in the DVD Job column).

Job Status Table

  • The list of files to be backed up can be accessed by clicking on View under Job Definition. When the copying phase of the job completes, the list is updated to show the contents of each DVD. The file system on the DVDs is absolute - file names will start with /data/accountname or /home/accountname.
  • The Job Status column shows these messages:
    • Copying: One or more ISO image files are currently being created from the file list and subsequently transferred to the DVD burner.
    • Halted: The job was halted during the copy phase, either by user command or by an error. Check the job's log for more information.
    • In Queue: The DVD job has been queued on the DVD burner.
    • Mailed: The DVDs have been burned and shipped.
    • Completed: (rare) The copy phase was completed but no admin information exists regarding the burning or mailing of the DVDs. This can appear for old jobs created before the current admin program was written, or for newer ISO-ONLY jobs run by staff for testing.
    • Unknown: (rare) The current state of the job can not be determined.
  • The Command column can be used to:
    • Abort the job. (click on Halt Job). Currently this is only possible while the ISO file is being created. Once the ISO file has been transfered to the server, the job cannot be aborted. Contact your support staff if a mistake has been made.
    • Delete a completed job from the table (click on Purge Job). The entry will be permanently erased.
  • To view the full log information (including the job number, number of DVDs, and the job's progress), click on the View link under the Log column.

Obtaining DVDs

All DVDs will be mailed via Fedex 3rd day delivery.