Advanced Linux Networking

Chapter 17. Performing Network Backups

Backing up your data is an unglamorous operation, but one that's critically important for the long-term reliability of your systems. Some networks consist of one or two large servers and a larger number of comparatively simple systems, such as X terminals, that contain little or nothing in the way of important data. In such networks, you can place backup hardware on the servers, back them up, and safely ignore the clients, except possibly for keeping a default installation backup. If a client fails, you can replace it with a new system bearing the standard configuration with minimal fuss. Other networks, though, have several servers that require backups, or client systems may house user data or other information ...