Backup Linux System (only)

[Spyhunter]

Is there a way to Backup Linux System (only) - I'm not talking about the PS3 Backup tool - I want to be able to restore the Linux system in the event of a major crash or error? (much like Windows System restore or Norton Ghost if possible?)

[ppietro]

Is there a way to Backup Linux System (only) - I'm not talking about the PS3 Backup tool - I want to be able to restore the Linux system in the event of a major crash or error? (much like Windows System restore or Norton Ghost if possible?)

There's two main ways - each have strengths and weaknesses.

One way makes an entire clone of your hard disc - either to a file or to another disc. This is the dd command. The other way basically archives a directory structure and can expand it back. This is the tar command. You usually use tar with compression - either bzip2 or gzip.

Both commands are built into Linux. I'd advise Googling each one and see which meets your needs. Also - the built-in Linux help system can give good examples. Try man dd and man tar for more info.

Also - I've posted instructions on tar here in the forums. A quick search should turn up some suggested syntax for you.

Cheers,
Paul

[ppietro]

Ah - found one of my links:
viewtopic.php?f=19&t=3563&p=15255#p15255

Cheers,
Paul

[Spyhunter]

thanks. is there a way to view the command switches say using dd /? (windows i know)

[ppietro]

thanks. is there a way to view the command switches say using dd /? (windows i know)

The man command is much safer. Some commands have /? or --help, but some don't - and you don't want to start dd by accident. All commands have man pages - it's the Unix way of doing things.

Cheers,
Paul

[Spyhunter]

thanks that explains it more.

man = /? LOL

[CronoCloud]

All commands have man pages - it's the Unix way of doing things.

Yes, though for some the man page is basically just a placeholder with minimal info that refers you to the info page.

info is the other documentation system users might run into. You use it the same way you use man. It's all hyperlinky and crossreferenced though so it's not as straightforwared to use as man

Code: Select all

info foo


Ron Rogers Jr. (CronoCloud)