3.3

Backing up Software
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Create Minimal dbdump
The entire structure of the database, along with your designated minimal set of queues, can
be backed up, specifying the list of essential queues (or directories) to be backed up:
NRCS-A# dbdump ci -d -n <directory or queuename> ...”
n
The -d option dumps the news directory skeleton but will not dump any stories. The -n option
will dump the stories in any directories and/or queues specified. The i option will dump the
isam files.
The essential directories would be System and possibly Show and a few daily Assignments
queues. The System directory must be part of the minimal dbdump.
If master rundown skeletons are stored elsewhere, add them to your list of essential queues.
This may be the bare minimum of directories needed to get a show on the air.
n
Do not store archives of shows beneath the Shows directory. Having years of archive
material mixed in along with your rundowns and master rundowns will slow the dbrestore
significantly. If restoring Assignments queues, ensure you restore only daily queues needed
to operate; do not include all future files in the minimal dbdump.
You may list up to 10 directories and queues with the -n option of the dbdump program.
NRCS-A# dbdump ci -d -n system shows assignments
In case of disaster, this minimal dbdump would be the first tape restored to the system. Since
it will not contain many stories, to dbdump to or dbrestore from this tape is relatively quick
and users can resume work while the remainder of the material trickles in from the full
dbdump tape.
This minimal dbdump tape should be updated periodically.
Backing up Software
Your system uses programs and site-dependent configuration files, called site files, to adapt
it to your newsroom operations and run the workstations, printers, wires, and other devices.
These programs and site files make your system software unique from that found in any
other newsroom.
It is important you keep a current copy of your software on tape in case you need to restore
the software area of the disk. Anytime you make major changes to the system
software—such as extracting new programs from an update tape—make a new software
backup.