A backup problem

[Satish Balay]

On Sat, 31 Jul 2004, Mike wrote:

> 
> I am installing Linux Fedora Core 2 over a an older RedHat version, 7.1. The
> application is a complex one providing a real-time video feed. While
> reasonably schooled in the application side there are any number of esoteric
> pieces I am struggling with. Specifically something as simple as backing up
> the system.
> 
> I've tried TAR and SMB only to create ever increasing volumes. The problem I
> think is that my attempts are chasing the links instead of simply backing up
> the links. I simply want to create a backup that I can copy back, untar or
> the like, if I must re-create the system. All my software is a CVS archive,
> however much of the meddling I've done to Linux is in the libs, file
> structures, links, .conf files and the like.
> 
> Any direction will be greatly appreciated.

How about just using rsync for backup?

rsync -a source_dir destination_location

And if the destination is on a remote machine:

rsync -az -e ssh source_dir user at remotemachine:destination_location

Satish