ATNF Disk Booking System

Background

ATNF operates a system for reserving disk space for data processing, known as the disk booking system. We do this to ensure all facility users have access to disk space when they need it.

Disk space is categorized in three ways:

scratch disk

• Available to all users.
• No quota restrictions.
• Automatically cleaned every 7 days - all data is deleted without notice.

bookable disk

• Available to users who have requested space.
• Quotas are used to restrict how much disk space each user may use.
• Bookings last for up to 60 days, but may be renewed.
• Once the booking has expired, data may be deleted without notice.

private disk

These areas are used by indvidual staff over the long term. Usually they have funded the purchase of the disk hardware, or the storage is attached to their personal workstation.

To determine which category a particular disk is in, look for a file named USAGE-POLICY.txt in the top directory of the disk.

Requesting space

You can request space via:

• This form (see buttons at left).
  This works only from machines on the ATNF network.
• Email to bookings.
  Please state how much space you need, and for how long.
• As part of an accommodation booking.

Requests for space should be filled within 1 working day.

The bookings utility

To check the state of the bookable disks, use the bookings utility.

• To print the current disk space assignments:

  venice% bookings
  

• To show how much space is available and how much is free:

  venice% bookings -f
  

• For more information, print the help:

  venice% bookings -h
  

Backups

ATNF policy is not to provide automated backups of data disks. Backing up these areas is the responsibilty of the individual user. See the getting started guide for more information about backing up your data.