Backing up my server
  • Vote Up0Vote Down Nat PersaudNat Persaud
    Posts: 40Member
    Hi,

    Let's say I backup my server to an external drive using:

    rsync /* /external/ -[options]

    Then my server fails. Can I simply copy everything (entire dir structure) from the external back onto root and be back running again where I left off?

    Thanks,
    Nat
    100.3 FM in Waterloo, ON, Canada
    www.soundfm.ca
  • 4 Comments sorted by
  • Vote Up1Vote Down Steven McPhillipsSteven McPhillips
    Posts: 29Member
    Hi Nat,

    Whether backing up everything simplifies recovery depends on your recovery strategy. When I recover (be it a server, laptop, phone, whatever), I usually re-install the OS, then re-apply my configuration, applications and data. Applications are a little different, but I backup my data and config files *only*. (I actually also back up a log of installed applications). I re-install the applications (because copying files doesn't necessarily recreate the installation environment), recover my configuration and data files from backup, and I'm back online.

    Regardless of how much space you have, a full system backup may not be all the useful, will take longer to backup (and recover from), and will wear out your disks/media more quickly. In the event of catastrophic failure, you're going to have to install some sort of operating system so you can access the backups: the OS backup is pretty much redundant.

    Perhaps the easiest way would be to find a backup system you were comfortable with, and let it guide your recovery procedures. I used to be a fan of "Back in Time" on Linux, but there are plenty of options out there.
  • Vote Up0Vote Down Albert FRAlbert FR
    Posts: 1,978Member, Airtime Moderator
    Hi,

    Why copy the entire structure ?
    copy only the necessary

    you can do that simply with a lot of solutions, for example :

    http://www.linuxlinks.com/article/20090105114152803/Backup.html


    ----
    Je peux le faire ;) [Pour vous] / I can do it [For You] Gnu/Linux & Media Architect
    Co-founder NessRadio.com
  • Vote Up0Vote Down Nat PersaudNat Persaud
    Posts: 40Member
    A few reasons, and partly the reason for my question. First, I have enough backup storage. Second, I am wondering if this simplifies recovery?
    100.3 FM in Waterloo, ON, Canada
    www.soundfm.ca
  • Vote Up0Vote Down Nat PersaudNat Persaud
    Posts: 40Member
    Thank you @Steven and @Albert. I will be re-thinking it.
    100.3 FM in Waterloo, ON, Canada
    www.soundfm.ca
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