Re: [Sheflug] how good is rsync linux

[Lesley Anne Binks <lesley.binks [at] xxxxxxxxx>]

Fred Dodd <fred.dodd [at] ntlworld.com> wrote :

> Hi Everyone,
> 
> At work we have been looking for a method of remote backup, over WAN
> link, came up with rsync. however the system uses embeded winxp, after
> some search with google came up with rsyn2nas and cwrsync, client and
> server.
> 
> Q. on the NAS server should we remove windozexp embeded and install
> minimal linux installation and use rsync --daemon ?

Only ever used rsync manually.  That was linux to linux non-embedded. Seemed ok to me.  Did what it said it would do.

> 
> Q what are is the plus side of using linux rsync, than windows ?

You are not using windoze.

> 
> Q. if you have say a LARGE file, I have tested using iso image and alter
> the files within, delete or add to the file size, does ALL of the imaged
> file get copied over to the NAS server, or only the changes ?

Probably all the file, because you are rsyncing.  If you want to minimise this use a version control system to store the file and it's changes.  Then the changes to the file would be backed up.  However, typical backup procedures do imply a regular, complete dump out to tape/DVD/w.h.y. And most versioning control systems have their disk space and processing time overheads too.

> 
> Q. if only the changes are sent, does the file get re-builded at the
> server end

Nope.  Backups make backup. rsync synchronises directories so that they match.

> 
> Q. any one using rsync to backup remote, in real time, say sync each
> hour ?
> 
Nope,  Only ever used it manually.  Once the script is properly set up, see no reason why it wouldn't work tho.

> Q. any problems with restore if the client (server) has a fatal crash ?

Yes, often many.  No matter what software you are using to copy disk to disk this will always be the case.

> 
> Q. does anyone have a good string command line for the client, should
> -delete be used, and when -ie mail !!!

This is a Linux list not a windows list.  Try 'man rsync' on a Linux box.  You'll be able to find what it can and cannot do.  

Suggestion: Search in google groups for rsync and the other clients and servers you mention to see what is discussed about these programs and what their weaknesses and strengths are.

> 
> ps yes it should be a linux box
> 
> 
Glad to hear it.
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