Backups

[Zylstra]

What is the best way to do a full, complete, backup of your system?
To the point where, if I managed to completely destroy my server computer, I could completely restore it again?

(I have been considering attempting a RAID configuration, but I doubt my hardware supports it... and it seems a bit complicated.)

Ubuntu Server (updated)
3GB HDD (still thinking about upgrading this...)

[DaveLembke]

I'd clone the HD if you can dupe it and just want a restore point! or run a full backup to DVD-R with a DVD Burner which can be done through Linux. If you had a dual booting system with Windows/ Linux, you can Ghost the entire HD and revert back. BUT ghost will ghost the ENTIRE Linux Partition including free space when a Linux partition is present because it can not differentiate the actual data compared to free space, so it copies all the space as well. Learned this the hard way with a 160GB HD and a 120GB Linux Partition, 40GB Fat 32 partition for Windows 2000 Pro and interplatform data sharing. Had to bail out of that image that would have been extremely wasteful since the Fedora Core 5 was only about 5 Gigs of the 120.

[Zylstra]

Are there any free disc image programs that know how to handle the EXT3 format?

[michaewlewis]

probably.....
Check sourceforge.net

[Sid]

Might something like "Grsync" be helpful?

It's available in Synaptic.

[Zylstra]

Might something like "Grsync" be helpful?

It's available in Synaptic.

What is it exactly?

[Zylstra]

grsync is a simple graphical interface using GTK2 for the rsync command line
program. It currently supports only a limited set of the most important rsync
features, but can be used effectively for local directory synchronization.

So, this will just copy it as-is without putting it into some weird .tar.gz file?

Also, I dont have a graphical interface. Will it still work?

[Rob Pomeroy]

All you really need is the dd command.  See >here< and >here<.

[Sid]

grsync is a simple graphical interface using GTK2 for the rsync command line
program. It currently supports only a limited set of the most important rsync
features, but can be used effectively for local directory synchronization.

So, this will just copy it as-is without putting it into some weird .tar.gz file?

Also, I dont have a graphical interface. Will it still work?

Uh...well, I don't think so.  Basically it's the GUI equiv to the "rsync" command...as it says up there, so if you get some more info (read:google) "Rsync" then you should be laughing.

And yes, it just copies it, I use it to keep my iPod updated with files I keep on a separate partition...like syncing new music.  Get me?

[Zylstra]

Okay...

(Just decided I need to stop delaying)

Considering I dont have a blank CD, or my Ubuntu disc at the moment.. what do I type to copy my main drive (/dev/hda1) to me second drive (/dev/hdb1)?

[Rob Pomeroy]

All you really need is the dd command.  See >here< and >here<.

[Zylstra]

All you really need is the dd command.  See >here< and >here<.

I swear I looked at it! I honestly did, Rob! I did!

Trying it as we write...
(dd if=/dev/hda of=/dev/hdb)
Sh*bleep*
Just realized: I should have read the directions...
I didnt use a Linux Live CD... I dont have one at the moment. I will do this as soon as I can

[Rob Pomeroy]

How's it going?

[Zylstra]

How's it going?

I just got the CD back yesterday, I will be trying it ASAP, and will get back to you all soon

[Zylstra]

Okay, so, I recently discovered that my Linux Installer CD (Ubuntu Server Edition) does not have a properly working terminal. It does have BusyBox, however, apparently, the DD command does not work. What shall I do?