I assume that you can see the tape drive. (Another user stated to use <drvconfig> that use forgot to also issue <devlinks> and then <tapes>. This method is depricated.)
For Solaris 8 and newer, use one step <devfsadm>.
Once you can see the tape ( mt -f /dev/rmt/0n status ) with a tape in the drive.
Now to answer your question as to the method used for copiying data to and fro your tape.
I would suggest ufsdump to backup your system.
I would suggest ufsrestore to resotre your system(read the man page especially concerning the -i option for interactrive restore)
I agree with yuzh. I just wanted to add that you may want to buy/go to a bookstore and look at O'Reilly's "Unix Backup & Recovery" book (1999, W. Curtis Peterson author) if you are going to be doing any significant work in backup and recovery. There is a LOT of good stuff in there. You can look at http://www.oreilly.com/unixbr/ for more info on the book.
--- M
liddler
No comment has been added lately, so it's time to clean up this TA.
I will leave a recommendation in the Cleanup topic area that this question is:
Points split liddler, Otetelisanu & yuzh
Please leave any comments here within the next four days.
For Solaris 8 and newer, use one step <devfsadm>.
Once you can see the tape ( mt -f /dev/rmt/0n status ) with a tape in the drive.
Now to answer your question as to the method used for copiying data to and fro your tape.
I would suggest ufsdump to backup your system.
I would suggest ufsrestore to resotre your system(read the man page especially concerning the -i option for interactrive restore)