The following best practices help you use the RMAL effectively:

• Use a port number that is not in use by another application or service when you add a RMAL in Backup Exec.

  To change the port number, see the following URL:

  http://seer.entsupport.symantec.com/docs/275228.htm

• Ensure that the storage device that is attached to the Linux server is supported. Also, confirm that the operating system can access the device before you start the RMAL.

  You can find a list of compatible devices at the following URL:

  http://entsupport.symantec.com/umi/V-269-2

• Ensure that a minimum of 500 MB of available storage space exists on the Linux server when you use the Tape Library Simulator Utility. The available space includes hard disk space, flash drives, and USB drives. If there is not enough space, the jobs fail with an end-of-media error. You must either create available disk space or you must direct the jobs to another volume, and then start the jobs again.

• Add a RMAL from the central administration server if you use the Backup Exec Central Admin Server Option (CASO). You cannot add a RMAL from a managed Backup Exec server.

• Use the Linux server's hostname and not its IP address when you add a RMAL if you use the Shared Storage Option. If you use the IP address, the Backup Exec Database cannot distinguish which device path to use for jobs.

• Only Microsoft Tape Format media are supported if you use a RMAL to restore data from the tapes that other applications create.