Tape machine loading method

Tape loading methods are divided into automatic and manual.

A tape drive that is automatically loaded with tape is called an autoloader. It is actually a combination of a tape and a tape drive. An autoloader is a tape drive and automatic tape changer in a stand-alone machine that can pick up a tape from a magazine loaded with multiple tapes and place it in a drive, or perform the reverse process. It can back up 100GB-200GB or more data. Autoloaders can support routine backup processes and automatically load new tapes for daily backup jobs. A small company with a workgroup server can use an autoloader to automate backups.

Manually taped tape drives with manual tape change and tape loading methods are mostly external tape drives. Because tape drives have no automatic replacement devices, they are inexpensive and suitable for small data backups. Nowadays, fewer and fewer such products are available.