// BEST PRACTICES

NOTICE: The NCCS is not providing new tape storage beyond what is currently in use. MSS is now in a read-only state and current users must disposition their data by August 31, 2025. Please see the Moving Data from Dirac page for information on recalling files and outbound transfers.

The following are the most valuable recommendations to follow when using the archive system:

  • When you move data outbound from /archive, please do it by logging into Dirac directly and NOT via NFS on Discover

  • Whenever possible, use a datamove node to copy a (large) file between /archive and $NOBACKUP

  • If you need to extract contents from a tar file, send those files to the $TMPDIR (/scr/<user>) variable so new data is not written to tape and so the tape drives are not working more than they need to. This is a small scratch filesystem so we ask you please use it in 1TB or smaller chunks. Empty the space when you are done because it is a shared and limited resource.