Types of Backup in Linux
The importance of having a backup solution you can depend on is self-evident. Computers running any variation of the Linux operating system have a wide variety of free, open source backup solutions. From command line-based tools to full graphical backup applications, there is a Linux backup solution for everyone.
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Types
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Linux backup programs utilize a range of backup options built into the Linux kernel. There are six basic backup types in Linux: full backup is a comprehensive backup of the entire disk; incremental backup completes a full backup at initial setup and backups only changed files thereafter; differential backup is a cumulative backup of all changed files since the last backup; network backup stores the files to a server-side network location; dump backup copies the entire system in its present state; and level backups allows priority to be set on different sets of files and for different backup types to be used accordingly.
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Features
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The features available in Linux backup programs is comparable to Windows and Mac commercial product offerings. The open source nature of Linux means that basically any backup need can be satisfied by a Linux backup solution. The most common features include scheduled backups and multiple location backup. Some lesser common features include remote access to backups and backup configuration for machines running different operating systems.
Usage
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For most consumer users, setting a backup is as simple as specifying the files or folders that need to be preserved and selecting a source---be it CD, DVD or hard drive---to save the backup. Linux backup programs allow fine grained control over inclusions and exclusions of folders and files so that only those that are vitally important need to be added to the backup set.
Linux backup programs also enable full system backup for those looking for a comprehensive backup solution. Full system backups allow the user to fully restore the computer in the event of hard drive failure.
Command Line-based Programs
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Rsync is the most popular backup program for Linux thanks to its high level of customization. Rsync is known for fast backups and a massive assortment of options.
Mondo Rescue is a powerful disaster recovery tool. Mondo Rescue is particularly useful for creating system restore backups to be used in the event of a catastrophic data loss.
Graphical-based Programs
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Bacula offers a high level of customization thanks to its extensions-based design. With its modular design, Bacula can handle any type of backup.
Fwbackups is a feature-rich and elegantly designed backup program for Linux. Fwbackups gives intermediate users a variety of options to customize the backup solution.
Simple Backup Solution is is quite possibly the easiest backup program to use because of preset backup definitions. The interface is spartan, as it emphasizes fast and easy backups
Back in Time is modeled on the Time Machine application in the Mac OS. This Linux backup solution makes it easy to create easy to navigate system snapshots.
References
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