Features and Options of Tape Backup Systems

Tape backup systems surfaced as popular options for personal computer and business use in the mid 1970s. The technology, innovative at the time, used magnetic tape reels to backup important information contained within a home or business computer for restoration needs in the event of a computer failure. Recording methods for tape backup systems may be linear or scanning. Linear recording stores information copied in parallel tracks. Many cassettes may record simultaneously using this simple form of recording, yet the amount of data allowed to be recorded is limited with this method. Linear serpentine recording allows for much higher data amounts than traditional linear methods. Scanning technology allows for data to be recorded across the width of the tape versus the length. Specific types of scanning include transverse scans, arcuate scans, and helical scans. Although still in use, modern backup systems typically use a disk solution versus the older tape recording methods.