Re: data files - How big?

We use up to 2GB datafiles for our production SAP system with no problems, and, so far, have around 470 datafiles. What you need to remember is that your datafile size becomes your unit of recovery. For example, if you lost a particular datafile (corruption, deletion, whatever), and had to restore it from a tape backup, obviously the smaller the file, the faster the recovery. For our large SAP system, we have balanced that versus the practicality of not having to add an additional datafile every 15 minutes. Also, as Jared mentioned, certain software solutions can't work with files over 2GB. Our EDM tape server cannot backup files larger than 2GB.

Jim

-- 
Jim Hawkins
Lead SAPR/3 Oracle Database Administrator
MEMC Electronic Materials, Inc.
600 Pearl Drive
St. Louis, MO  633376
9636) 474-7832
jhawkins_at_memc.com (work)
jhawkins_at_primary.net (home)



> 

> A general rule of thumb for many people is to not allow datafiles

> larger than 2Gb.

> 

> You will find many variations on that theme ( some don't like files

> larger than 512Mb ) but the 2Gb limit is due to possible limitations

> in other software.

> 

> You may run into trouble with backup software that doesn't know

> how to deal with files that large.  I've heard reports that some of

> Oracle's utilities do not always work correctly with large files, though

> I can't recall any details on that.

> 

> My system has a 2Gb datafile on linux, and hasn't caused my any

> problems, but this is not a production system and isn't stressed.

> ( or backed up )

> 

> HTH

> 

> Jared

> 

> 

> On Friday 01 June 2001 07:40, Barry Stubbs wrote:

> > I am setting up a new linux server (redhat 6.2 & oracle 8i 8.1.7) with a

> > 1Ghz Processor and 512Mb RAM. How large should individual data files in 

a


> > tablespace be allowed to grow? I can't find any advice on this in my 

oracle


> > manuals/books. Is there a data file size that starts to hurt oracle. 

I've


> > got one tablespace that will have 1-1.5 Gb of data. Should I allow a

> > datafile to grow to that size, or would oracle like it better if I 

split it


> > into 3 500Mb datafiles? Likewise, how should I handle the SYSTEM

> > tablespace? Should I leave it as 1 large datafile or should it be broken

> > into smaller ones?

> > I would also like to know what good oracle email lists are available to 

ask


> > dba related questions other than this one.

> >

> > Thanks,

> >

> > Barry Stubbs

> > Windham School District

> -- 

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> -- 

> Author: Jared Still

>   INET: jkstill_at_cybcon.com

> 

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> 





-- 
Please see the official ORACLE-L FAQ: http://www.orafaq.com
-- 
Author: Jim Hawkins
  INET: jhawkins_at_primary.net

Fat City Network Services    -- (858) 538-5051  FAX: (858) 538-5051
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