Data Archiving & Backup on the HFS
The HFS
The HFS (Hierarchical File Server) is a centrally funded service providing backup and long-term archive services to Senior Members, Post-graduates and Staff. Please read our guidelines before registering an account on-line . Then pick up, install and perform simple configuration of the TSM backup software on your computer and start safeguarding your data on the HFS.
1. How it works
The HFS uses Tivoli Storage Manager (TSM) client-server software to manage your data. Data is sent from your computer, across the University network (you need a direct connection to the University Network) to the HFS server and ultimately is stored on magnetic tape in an automated (robotic) tape library. The HFS servers and tape library are situated in a climate-controlled, secure location. Three copies of your data are made, each to separate tapes; one copy is held in the automated tape library; the second, in a fire-proof safe located at OUCS and the third in a fire-proof safe at an offsite storage facility outside Oxford. Access to the data is private to the owner and is normally available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
2. Limits to the service
Because of the amounts of data transferred, you cannot connect to the HFS over VPN, broadband, cable or dial-up. Only a direct connection to the University Network will work.
The HFS is resource-contrained. It would help us enormously if you try to backup only those data that you need to secure. There is help in the FAQ on how to exclude files from backup.
A common misconception is that the HFS can offer a full-system restore of your machine. This is not the case, but it can help you recover your user data if you have made regular backups. Please see this FAQ item for more details on how to recover your entire system.
3. Using the HFS
The HFS is widely and extensively used throughout Oxford. In the 7 days up to 2010-Feb-10, 3780 clients accessed the backup and archive servers in 16629 sessions, sending 63.4 million files and 38.0 TB of data. In total the backup and archive servers currently hold 1.887 billion files and 746.2 TB of data.
In order to set up your computer system for Backup or Archive as quickly and easily as possible, you are recommended to navigate these pages in the following order:
- Which Service ? - refer here to determine which HFS service to use
- Guidelines & Registration - the essential terms and conditions you must know about using the HFS
- Software Downloads & Install - go here to select & pick up the client software for your machine, install & configure it
- Using Backup & Restore - tells you how to run manual (on-demand) backups and restore your data
- Using Archive - details how to archive and retrieve your data
- Scheduled Backups - how to setup and use the Scheduled (automated) Backup service - platform specific
- Help & FAQ - Online documentation and technical support if you've got a problem
- Uninstalling the TSM Client - How to shut down and remove the TSM Client when you de-register for the HFS Service
- Deleting Old Backups - Information about how old backups get deleted from the HFS
