Tape backup / Bizzare Device Question

[Graham Bentley]

Is there a way to create a hdd resore solution with 
set of boot floppies that will support my tape drive
access the tape and restore the entire hard disc in
case of disc failure disaster ? ie So I could install 
a new disc and be up and running without doing any
additional admin? I guess like a 'ghost' for scsi tape ?

Any advice / links etc apperciated.

Also ....

Description: Glass bulb, similar to light bulb but with 
narrow end flared at bootom so it standsup. Inside, 
a rotating wire device that has 4 squares of card like 
material attached, like vanes. 

One one side they are black on the other they are white. 
When the sun shines brightly enough, the white side reflects 
the light energy and the black side absorbs it. The vanes 
spin around. 

This does exist and has a name and I know there are 
some very knowledgeable people on this list who will 
know.

Whats it called..... please !!!