Or, what would be useful, and is already available on hp-ux, is
simply a supported way to eject the tape.  On hpux:
 
mt offline
 
Also, before putting the tape in the hp3000 tape drive, I simply use my unix
workstation:
 
mt eof
mt offline
 
And the data on the tape is now unavailable.
 
Also, on hpux:
 
mt eod
 
datinfo -c /dev/rmt/0mn
 
Maximum capacity = 1945 MB, Remaining capacity = 345 MB
Note: figures accurate to approximately +/- 10%
Note: these figures are before Data Compression
Write DC ratio = 1.5 based on previous data.
Note: this data is cleared during a drive power cycle or with use
of the -C option
Estimated remaining capacity (assuming current compression ratio) = 505 MB
 
And you have how much tape is used!
 
--
 
     john sullivan
     [log in to unmask]  or http://www.interex.org/~sullivan/
 
 
On Wed, 15 Feb 1995, Gilles Schipper wrote:
 
> Michael makes an excellent point. Not only is it common practice to mount
> your backup tape every morning, utilities abound whose function it is to
> place dds tapes online - so repeated attempts at scanning the directory of
> a old store tape is routinely available to all users with only default
> capabilities.
>
> Sure,  remedies come to mind, in addition to Michael's suggestion to NOT
> include the ;directory option in the store command. Another would be to
> place an appropriate ACD on the tape device - which would only partially
> address the problem.
>
> However, these solutions are basically workarounds that do not address the
> real problem.
>
> Clearly what is required to solve this serious potentail security breach
> are modifications to store/restore to generate an encrypted directory.
> These enhancements must be included AT NO EXTRA CHARGE - not bundled in
> with an optional product.
>
> Surely an OS as robust and efficient as MPE/iX deserves equally robust
> security.
>
>
> ***************************************************
> Gilles Schipper
> GSA Inc.
> Tel: 905/889-3000
> Fax: 905/889-3001
> ***************************************************
>