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What Software Do You Use for Unix Backups?
jregel asks: "Linus has stated that
dump should not be considered a reliable backup program, and both tar and cpio have their limitations. So what are Slashdot readers doing for backing up Linux servers and workstations? (you do backup, right?)" Given this bit of news, have you used anything other than the standard Unix staple to back up your Linux boxes? If you were forced off of tar, cpio and dump, what would you use as a replacement?
I have been extremely happy with Amanda. Single centralised backup server running amanda-server. Multiple workstations running the amanda-client. Amanda automagically schedules backups based on sensible heuristics. I just tell Amanda how many tapes I have, how many workstations I have, and Amanda does all the hard work of working out how much tape capacity is required and how often it should schedule incrementals/fulls.
The server/client protocol has been designed to avoid reliance on dangerous security holes like rsh. The server sends the client a "send me your dump" message. The client then connects back to the server and delivers it the output from dump or tar. You can configure exclusion lists on the client if you're worried about sending certain files or filesystems. You can also encrypt the data stream and/or use Kerberos for authentication.
If I forget to load a blank tape then Amanda plays it safe. It doesn't overwrite last night's backup: instead it stores incrementals into the "holding disk". Amanda will then flush the held backups to the next blank tape.
Amanda emails me reports after every backup with a neat summary of what went right/wrong. It also gives you several hours advance warning if you forget to load a blank tape or if any of the workstations are offline.
The only downside of Amanda is that it is fiddly to setup. The documentation is poor and the configuration files are cryptic. But if you're willing to invest some time and effort then you can't do much better (for free) than Amanda.