Topic: Rsync Backup Server

[Abe Loveless]

I've just recently completed (almost) a howto for configuring SME as a backup server using rsync.

I've got directions for backing up other SME servers using rsync over ssh, and Win32 systems using samba mount points.

Any and all feedback welcome.  I think I've just about covered everything in the doc, but let me know if something is unclear and needs more description.

http://www.tech-geeks.org/contrib/loveless/rsync_backup/SME_BackupServer.html

Thanks.

[Adserg]

Abe

I'll check it out seeing i have some sites using Rsync.

regards

Adserg

[Kevin Tollison]

same here. I recently started experimenting with doing remote backups using rsync for some clients

[Maggard]

Abe Loveless wrote:
 
> I've just recently completed (almost) a howto for configuring
> SME as a backup server using rsync.

Check out Unison. Rsync-based it is a bit better about resolving conflicts, there's an e-smith rpm with a decent web panel, and a Win32 client.

I use this for synching two of my e-smith servers and a few desktops.

[Tom Keiser]

I've been playing with Unison, too. I like it, but have found a couple of issues. You mention an e-smith RPM -- where might I find that?  Also, when running from a Win client, I've been unable to find a way to automate (and thus schedule) the operation because of SSH password or passphrase requirements. The operation stops, and waits for you to type in the passphrase for SSH before doing any syncing. SME server won't allow a non-root user to SSH, or allow a blank passphrase, and I haven't found any way around that.  Have any ideas, anyone?

Thanks,

Tom Keiser

Maggard wrote:
>
> Abe Loveless wrote:
>  
> > I've just recently completed (almost) a howto for configuring
> > SME as a backup server using rsync.
>
> Check out Unison. Rsync-based it is a bit better about
> resolving conflicts, there's an e-smith rpm with a decent web
> panel, and a Win32 client.
>
> I use this for synching two of my e-smith servers and a few
> desktops.

[Abe Loveless]

I've addressed your SSH question in my howto.

In the category "Setup the *nix Machines", not too far from the top.

[Tom Keiser]

Abe:
   Thnx very much for the excellent how-to. Here's something you might like. Instead of the single removeable drive tray, you might want to try an MRS Sub-raid unit.   http://www.mrseries.com.tw   which you can buy from Canada: alain@mrseries.ca.  This unit holds two IDE drives in separate trays, and whenever one drive is removed (hot-swap, no need to kill the power) the replacement drive will be automatically mirrored from the remaining drive. The mirroring takes place from the cpu within the unit, and the original drive can still be used while the copying is taking place. Buy an MRS with one extra tray, and you are set for an offsite backup at all times. Unit works with any IDE channel, any OS.

Regards,

Tom

[Maggard]

Tom Keiser wrote:
>
> You mention an e-smith RPM -- where might I find that?

I go to Google, type in "e-smith unison rpm" and see a bunch of links.

[Abe Loveless]

>Instead of the single removeable drive tray, you might want to try an MRS Sub-raid unit.
>http://www.mrseries.com.tw which you can buy from Canada: alain@mrseries.ca.

This is awesome, I'd never seen a device like this.  I had a hard time finding the product on a reseller's website, but I think I found a suitable replacement in US.
http://www.cdwg.com/shop/products/default.asp?EDC=307416

I haven't tried this, but this may very well be an excellent solution.

Thanks for pointing me to these devices Tom!

[Guck Puppy]

Abe Loveless wrote:
> This is awesome, I'd never seen a device like this.  I had a
> hard time finding the product on a reseller's website, but I
> think I found a suitable replacement in US.
> http://www.cdwg.com/shop/products/default.asp?EDC=307416

It is a PCI device, I wonder if that means you need support for it in the operating system?

http://www.memorylabs.net/acacideinrak.html

I just got one of these, the ACS 7500 Raid kit. It's driverless, you just put in two drives and the OS sees it as one.

G

[Tom Keiser]

Abe:

Either the MRS unit I suggested, or the ACS which Guck Puppy found will work just fine. The Promise unit in your posting isn't supported by Linux and won't do auto-mirroring in any event. Stick with MRS or ACS.

Tom

Abe Loveless wrote:
>
>
> >Instead of the single removeable drive tray, you might want
> to try an MRS Sub-raid unit.
> >http://www.mrseries.com.tw which you can buy from Canada:
> alain@mrseries.ca.
>
> This is awesome, I'd never seen a device like this.  I had a
> hard time finding the product on a reseller's website, but I
> think I found a suitable replacement in US.
> http://www.cdwg.com/shop/products/default.asp?EDC=307416
>
> I haven't tried this, but this may very well be an excellent
> solution.
>
> Thanks for pointing me to these devices Tom!