IRIX NetWorker is an easy-to-use network storage management software product. NetWorker performs automatic backups of your files, scheduled by your system administrator, to protect against the loss of valuable data. You can also perform backups on an as-needed basis and archive project-related data for additional protection.
With NetWorker, recovery is fast and convenient, so you do not waste time re-creating lost files. Simply scroll through NetWorker's list of backed-up files and recover the files to your disk. NetWorker even shows multiple versions of a file, backed up over time, allowing you to select the version you want to recover. NetWorker provides access to these powerful features through an intuitive graphical user interface (GUI).
The optional NetWorker Archive Application provides the ability to take a snapshot of finished project files or directories residing on primary media (usually disk). You can choose to have archived files automatically removed from disk, after NetWorker verifies the snapshot is safely stored on removable media, to conserve disk space.
Unlike backed-up data, the media used for storing archived data is never recycled. Archived data is preserved for as long as you need it. Archiving data associated with a finished project frees up space for current projects, while assuring future access to mission-critical data.
To use the Archive Application, your system administrator simply enables the software on the NetWorker server and clicks a choice to revise your client setup. No additional installation procedures are required.
The NetWorker server is a machine with a backup device that automatically backs up all the systems on a network. Once your system administrator installs NetWorker and configures the server to recognize your system as a client, NetWorker
automatically backs up your files on a set schedule
backs up selected files at any time as needed
provides long-term storage of project data with the optional Archive Application
When you use NetWorker to back up your files, the files are saved to backup volumes on the NetWorker backup device. The NetWorker server keeps an online index of the backed-up files. You browse this online index to recover a single file or a complete directory.
Archiving involves long-term storage of data on media called archive volumes. Archive volumes are similar to backup volumes, but are stored for very long periods of time and are not automatically recycled.
This guide contains information on backing up and recovering your data using the NetWorker Backup and NetWorker Recover windows. Instructions for using the NetWorker Archive and NetWorker Retrieve windows (the Archive Application) are also included.
This guide is organized into sections to help you locate the kind of information you need, including shortcuts, examples, and step procedures.
After the NetWorker server is set up, your system administrator will install two programs: nwbackup and nwrecover. The system administrator will install the software on your system or configure your system to access NetWorker remotely.
If the optional Archive Application is enabled for your site, two additional programs are available for use: nwarchive and nwretrieve. The system administrator changes your client configuration to allow your system to use the Archive Application.
Your system administrator is responsible for setting up your system to meet the requirements for NetWorker clients.
The following conditions must be met for a workstation to qualify as a NetWorker client:
The NetWorker software is installed. For installation instructions, see the IRIX NetWorker Installation and Maintenance Guide.
The daemon nsrexecd is running on a NetWorker client. The daemon nsrexecd is used by savegrp to start saves on NetWorker client machines. To enable nsrexecd, the networker option of chkconfig should be on.
The NetWorker server is configured to recognize the client. For directions on how to set up a client, see the IRIX NetWorker Administrator's Guide.
If any one of the above conditions are not met, you will be unable to use NetWorker. Contact your system administrator before proceeding.