CompuServe Messages

Well, that depends on the length of the DAT tape. My understanding of tape drives (which is limited) is that NORMAL drives have a header section (or maybe a footer) where the directory information is stored. So…everytime you want to access a file, the tape has to be wound/rewound to that section to read the directory. Ugh! With DAT tape, there is a track throughout the entire tape (like an audio track on a video tape) that contains directory information…OR…. A DAT may just be @^%#$ fast because it is digital and have to use the analog method of "am I there yet…read tape section…am I there yet…etc." of finding the directory. DAT drives are more expensive than normal drives (a good DAT will run you $1,000 new, or $500+ refurbished). They are much faster. I'll ask Gary at Moonlighter about the DAT methods and speed — they also sell tape drives (Archive Vipers and new/refurb DATs). -Chas