Air Cleaner User Manual

Limitations
DVD Devices: AIX states that only the CHRP platform supports booting from DVD
devices. We have tested booting a 7043-43P (RSPC) from DVD extensively in our
testing. Therefore, we will support SysBack DVD boot and install for all SysBack
product related issues. However, if the issue becomes an inherent incompatibility
or functionality issue between the device, AIX, or rspc firmware that is not
supported by the AIX or HW teams, then our support stops there. With this in
mind, use DVD devices with SysBack on RSPC platforms at your own discretion.
CD Devices: All 3 platforms, rs6k, rspc, and chrp support booting from CD
devices. ****KNOWN BOOT ISSUE WITH CHRP PLATFORM**** At the time of
this feature’s original creation, there was a known issue with the GNU software
not directly supporting the boot of the CHRP platform. The firmware that locates
the CHRP boot image in the CD file system is case sensitive. It looks for the boot
image filename in lower case. However, the GNU software creates the file name in
upper case in the directory structure and the beginning of the file system.
If the CD were to be mounted manually, the names willappear in lower case;
however, the firmware still sees them in uppercase and can’t file the needed file.
You CAN still boot and install from CD / DVD on a CHRP system, provided that
you use this work around OR update to GNU utilities created after August 2002
will ensure that you do not encounter this problem. Work around: When booting a
CHRP machine, at some point you will hear several beeps followed by a short
piece of music. When you hear the first beeps, press the F8 key (or use 8 and Enter
for ascii ttys). You will receive a prompt. At the prompt, type the following:
boot cdrom:\PPC\CHRP\BOOTFILE.EXE The system should then boot from the CD.
Media
Any type of media (blue vs. gold, and multiple write) is supported. However,
testing proves that the better the quality of the media (usually the more expensive
media) yields better results with the writing, reading, and booting. Therefore, just
as with tape media, the reliability of your backups depends greatly on the quality
of your media. Refer to your individual vendor’s specifications for information on
media suggestions and requirements.
Speed
Please be aware that data transfer rates are inherently slower on DVD and CD
devices than most tape devices. Do not expect to achieve the same high speed /
performance backups to these devices. In fact, there in nothing in SysBack’s design
that can be modified to increase or decrease performance. It is completely a result
of the individual device used and other system performance issues (like paging,
memory etc.). Refer to your individual vendor’s specifications to estimate
approximate data transfer rates and for any media requirements. Remember
however that those specifications are usually quoted as best case and may be in
fact lesser than estimated when your in your actual environment.
Initiating the Backup
Backing up to CD or DVD is different than traditional SysBack backups. Only one
backup type to these devices is allowed, the Full System (Installation Image)
backup, which is usually generated by the /usr/sbin/sysback command. The Full
System (Installation Image) backup is the only SysBack backup from which you
can boot and install a system. It allows for only a root volume group OR a rootvg
and all non-root volume groups backup. However, this backup image to CD or
Chapter 5. Backups to CD or DVD 5-3