Insider Tips: Backup with Rsync and SSH
SAFE HARBORS
It is often inefficient to fire up a tape drive whenever you need to back up files or restore a backup. The Rsync tool pushes critical files to a second computer, where you can access them easily.
A full backup on separate media is a vital part of any backup strategy, however, the task of restoring backups from tapes, CDs, or DVDs is often too time-consuming. It sometimes makes sense to also perform online backups. There are a few ready-to-run solutions for online backup, such as Rsnapshot [2]. This month’s Admin Workshop will discuss a scripted approach that uses Rsync and SSH. Cooperation The practical Rsync tool, combined with SSH, takes care of transporting your backup data across the network. These tools solve two problems for admins. First, they save bandwidth, as Rsync will compress your data if asked to do so. Second, SSH ensures that sniffers on the network will be unable to grab your backups off the wire. An additional advantage of Rsync is that it transfers only the changes across the network and merges them with the last full backup on the target machine, thus providing the simplicity of a full backup with the efficiency of an incremental backup.
Buy this article as PDF
(incl. VAT)
Buy Linux Magazine
Subscribe to our Linux Newsletters
Find Linux and Open Source Jobs
Subscribe to our ADMIN Newsletters
Support Our Work
Linux Magazine content is made possible with support from readers like you. Please consider contributing when you’ve found an article to be beneficial.
News
-
Kali Linux Waxes Nostalgic with BackTrack Mode
For those who've used Kali Linux since its inception, the changes with the new release are sure to put a smile on your face.
-
Gnome 50 Smooths Out NVIDIA GPU Issues
Gamers rejoice, your favorite pastime just got better with Gnome 50 and NVIDIA GPUs.
-
System76 Retools Thelio Desktop
The new Thelio Mira has landed with improved performance, repairability, and front-facing ports alongside a high-quality tempered glass facade.
-
Some Linux Distros Skirt Age Verification Laws
After California introduced an age verification law recently, open source operating system developers have had to get creative with how they deal with it.
-
UN Creates Open Source Portal
In a quest to strengthen open source collaboration, the United Nations Office of Information and Communications Technology has created a new portal.
-
Latest Linux Kernel RC Contains Changes Galore
Linux kernel 7.0-rc3 includes more changes than have been made in a single release in recent history.
-
Nitrux 6.0 Now Ready to Rock Your World
The latest iteration of the Debian-based distribution includes all kinds of newness.
-
Linux Foundation Reports that Open Source Delivers Better ROI
In a report that may surprise no one in the Linux community, the Linux Foundation found that businesses are finding a 5X return on investment with open source software.
-
Keep Android Open
Google has announced that, soon, anyone looking to develop Android apps will have to first register centrally with Google.
-
Kernel 7.0 Now in Testing
Linus Torvalds has announced the first Release Candidate (RC) for the 7.x kernel is available for those who want to test it.