HI Brad, By "lack of sufficient backup programs", do you mean GPL programs? There are a few commercial offerings available such as BRU and Arkeia. Last I knew, Arkeia was available for free download for home use, but is not GPL software. OK, to answer your question about features that I like to see in a backup solution: o fits on a bootable floppy for disaster recovery o it would be nice if I didn't have to run through the whole tape to get one file restored. o GUI and command line (keeps everybody happy) o store a directory of files on the tape o sufficient error detection and corrections schemes to account for imperfect media o damaged media shouldn't prevent me from getting back the entire backup, just a file or two (unless of course the tape is shredded or something) o backup program does a read/verify to prove that the backup was really written correctly o ability to write backups to media other than tape, such as DVD-RAM or perhaps a hard disk partition That's just a few thoughts...perhaps they will stimulate some discussion. Later, Andy -- Andy Stewart Founder Worcester Linux Users' Group Worcester, MA, USA http://www.wlug.org