On Fri, 26 Oct 2001, Ted Grzesik wrote: > QUESTION: What is the best method of performing backups of the root > filesystem?
The one that does what you need it to at a cost you are willing to pay. > I want something that will give me a perfect copy that could be > restored. If you want a sector-by-sector image, you pretty much have to use a disk imaging utility. > Normally, I would use my PowerQuest DriveImage software (similar to > Norton Ghost), but the problem is, it doesn't recognize the RAID > partitions (it knows Linux ext2 though). DriveImage has the capability to image any partition as a "raw" image, does it not? You should be able to image your RAID partitions that way. Yes, it is inefficient, but "perfection" usually is. If it is a RAID-1 mirror, you can just image one drive. If you need to restore, treat the other disk like a failed disk, and rebuild the mirror. > QUESTION: Should I 'init 1' to force single-user mode? This would > minimize open files during the backup. Yes, it would. That still does not give you a sector-by-sector image, though. > Option 3: I could use 'tar', but that is not what I would consider a > "perfect" backup. And "cpio" is? Both are very similar programs, conceptually. Both read the filesystem normally and record to an external device or file. I use "tar" at home. We use "tar" for most of our customers. It is simple and solid. When it comes to backups, I strongly recommend the KISS principle: Keep It Simple! > I have another identical disk to my two RAID enabled disks. I could > pull one disk out of the array, swap in the empty one and force a RAID > rebuild. In essence, giving me a truly perfect backup. This is an accepted practice (although usually used in combination with other strategies). Just be damn sure your RAID setup really does work. Your best bet is to see if you can boot the third drive independently of the other two. You will fork at that point. Also, take care when rebuilding, if it comes to that -- I have heard horror stories about drives rebuilding from the "failed" drive, and mirroring the corruption over the "good" drive. -- Ben Scott <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> | The opinions expressed in this message are those of the author and do not | | necessarily represent the views or policy of any other person, entity or | | organization. All information is provided without warranty of any kind. | ***************************************************************** To unsubscribe from this list, send mail to [EMAIL PROTECTED] with the text 'unsubscribe gnhlug' in the message body. *****************************************************************
