snip
> >If kept as a backup tape then you would also need to keep the software,
> >i.e. Windows 3.11 etc, the proprietary database and a suitable PC. Is
> >this appropriate?
>
> An interesting general point.
> I would suggest keeping it as plain ASCII, or perhaps HTML/XML as I do
> not foresee the database being a usful tool for rebuttal or making it
> easier to read the record.
>
Scientific American had an interesting article on this problem about a
year ago - on how archival information was becoming unretrievable due to
the obsolescence of the technology that recorded it. Anyone remember the
8" floppy? the 12-platter 300 MB disk pack? The DEC 5MB RL01 Disk pack
the size and shape of a manhole cover? 800 BPI tape?
Even if kept in ASCII, the storage medium may make archival material
difficult or impossible (practically speaking) to access. I have heard
of unique and irreplaceable data being read from a stretched magtape
using iron powder and a microscope bit by bit - wouldn't want to try
it...
I have had archival material on all of the above (none critical, thank
God). Most is in DEC PDP-11 RSTS/E Backup format. Machines and software
are long gone. So, in effect, is the info. More recently, I upgraded my
hardware and lost access to my old 5 1/4" floppies and 250 MB tape
cartridges.
The SA article maintained that this is a growing and largely
unrecognized problem that affects really huge amounts of data currently
- and more in the future... So, back to paper printouts for archival
storage? :-))
Phil
4 Bailey Hill Road
Natick, MA, 01760, USA
[log in to unmask]
(508) 650-9097 - voice
(508) 650-9152 - fax
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