Linux Backup: What, Where, And How
Linux backup is no different in its purpose from any other sort of IT backup. Linux backup means that you will copy and store data in such a way that it remains available in case the original data is damaged or lost. You can do Linux backup to a CD, or even pay to have it stored online. No operating system is immune from hard drive or software failure, and in those cases your data may become inaccessible, deleted, or corrupted. Sometimes data is lost not because of mechanical failure; people can unintentionally erase important files and most of us have. But by performing regular Linux backup, you will be assured of being able to restore your system with all but the most recent changes intact. Your Linux backup program should include making copies of those files critical either to your system's operation or for your personal use. If you store any records of importance on your PC, like tax information, photographs, emails or work projects which would be difficult to recreate from scratch, back them up. If you have reports or research for which you paid, back them up. If you have personalized the settings on your Linux OS, or in any of your programs, back the new settings up. It may have taken you a while to come up with the perfect background colors for your PC, so why not take another minute to save it in your Linux backup efforts? Even more important to your Linux backup program than saving your personal settings is saving your system settings. If you're not computer savvy enough to have changed the settings on your Linux OS, this does not apply. But one of the big appeals of Linux is its open source nature, nuking ideal for tinkering by the technologically astute. If, for instance, you have made configuration changes to the etc/xinetd.conf file in the interests of security, back them up. If you have enough time and space, of course, backing up all of your data would be the safest choice, and even then you can omit any temporary files. When you've decided what to include in your Linux backup, you can move on to deciding where to put you Linux backup. Your best option is to backup your data to a portable medium, so that you can store it away from your computer in case your entire work environment becomes compromised. And using portable media will guarantee you as much storage as you need. While many Linux backup services offer online storage, there is always the slight possibility that data stored online could accidentally be deleted. By getting your own portable media and backing up your data every day, you can store your information indefinitely, and without the hassle of paying for online storage. CDs are ideal media for backing up and storing data, and they cost next to nothing. The Linux OS is equipped with several tools to perform Linux backup. Tar: is an extremely user friendly Linux backup tool, with an option for backing up to several portable media. You will also find many commercial software programs with which to perform Linux backup. |
