> >    compression but dump prompts for next tape after few minutes
> 
> Just use the -B flag.  From `man dump':-
> 
> -B records
>     The number of kilobytes per volume, rounded down to a multiple of
>     the blocksize.  This option overrides the calculation of tape
>     size based on length and density.
> 
> Just tell it how big your tape is compressed (good luck).

there is no option like -B auto or something to dump until EOT?

if no - very bad :(

> > 2) how to dump all filesystems mentioned in fstab with nonzero
> >    dump flag?
> 
> Not a clue.  I run everything scripted.
> 
> > 3) does dump accesses data through filesystem, cooked device or raw
> >    device. i think raw would be the best.
> 
> I think it does it via raw device access through /dev/rstN.

i mean disk access not tape

> > does -k 256 or more make sense so no seeks will be made?
> 
> Unknown - I always use the defaults.
> 
> HtH,
> 
> - Chris.
>