>> What would the correct syntax be for that - I can't figure out how to >> make tar accept stdin: > I don't think it can. Instead, maybe dd with blocksize set equal to the tape drive's required blocksize would do? You'd have to check what options your > dd version has for padding out the last partial block. Padding with spaces should work fine, not totally sure if nulls would be OK. I don't think it can either, which kind of makes sense. Tar is an archiving utility to create an archive of files; not to create an archive of the contents of files. Subtle difference, but makes sense. If I created a tar archive from the stream coming out of tar, what would be listed when I did 'tar tvf /dev/st0'? I think I'll hack the backup to output it to a temp file, then tar that file to tape. At the very least: #!/bin/bash $DBNAME='dbname' $TMPFILE="/tmp/$DBNAME.date.sql" $TAPE_DRIVE='/dev/st0' /usr/local/bin/pg_dump $DBNAME > $TMPFILE /bin/tar cvf $TAPE_DRIVE --label="$TMPFILE" $TMPFILE /bin/rm -f $TMPFILE THINK BEFORE YOU PRINT - Save paper if you don't really need to print this *******************Confidentiality and Privilege Notice******************* The material contained in this message is privileged and confidential to the addressee. If you are not the addressee indicated in this message or responsible for delivery of the message to such person, you may not copy or deliver this message to anyone, and you should destroy it and kindly notify the sender by reply email. Information in this message that does not relate to the official business of Weatherbeeta must be treated as neither given nor endorsed by Weatherbeeta. Weatherbeeta, its employees, contractors or associates shall not be liable for direct, indirect or consequential loss arising from transmission of this message or any attachments e-mail. ---------------------------(end of broadcast)--------------------------- TIP 3: Have you checked our extensive FAQ? http://www.postgresql.org/docs/faq