Specifies absolute space to count file number. This is equivalent to a rewind followed by a fsf count.

Back spaces over count EOF marks. The tape is positioned on the beginning-of-tape side of the EOF mark.

Back spaces count records.

Back spaces over the requested number of sequential file marks. Sequential file marks are where the file marks are one right after the other with no other blocks of any kind between the file marks. The number argument specifies how many sequential file marks to which to space. For example, bssf 4 searches backwards to the first place where there are 4 sequential file marks and positions to the BOP side of the 4th file mark. This command is not supported by all drives.

Writes count EOF marks at the current position on the tape.

Forward spaces over count EOF marks. The tape is positioned on the first block of the file.

Forward spaces count records.

Forward spaces the over requested number of sequential file marks. Sequential file marks are where the file marks are one right after the other with no other blocks of any kind between the file marks. The number argument specifies how many sequential file marks to which to space. For example, fssf 4 searches forwards to the first place where there are 4 sequential file marks and positions after the 4th file mark. This command is not supported by all drives.

Requests drive load and thread current media. Not supported by all drives.

Prevents media removal.

Back spaces count files. The tape is positioned on the first block of the file. This is equivalent to count+1 bsfs followed by one fsf.

Positions to requested logical tape position.

Gets and prints current logical tape position.

Allows media removal.

Reads the drives current configuration from the driver and displays it in st.conf format. See st(7D) for definition of fields and there meanings.

Spaces to the end of recorded media on the tape. This is useful for appending files onto previously written tapes.

Erases the entire tape. Some tape drives have option settings where only portions of the tape can be erased. Be sure to select the correct setting to erase the whole tape. Erasing a tape can take a long time depending on the device and/or tape. Refer to the device specific manual for time details.

Attempts to break a SCSI II reserve issued by another initiator. When this command completes, the drive is not reserved for the current initiator, but is available for use. This command can be only be executed by those with super-user privileges.

Rewinds the tape and, if appropriate, takes the drive unit off-line by unloading the tape.

Re-establishes the default behavior of releasing at close.

Allows the tape drive to remain reserved after closing the device. The drive must then be explicitly released.

Rewinds the cartridge tape completely, then winds it forward to the end of the reel and back to beginning-of-tape to smooth out tape tension.

Rewinds the tape.

Prints status information about the tape unit. Status information can include the sense key reported by the drive, the residual and retries for the last operation, the current tape position reported in file number, and the number of blocks from the beginning of that file. It might also report that WORM media is loaded in that drive.