There are many different options to run backup procedures on a Linux machine. There are internal commands/programs that can do the backups, using a “cronjob” (which is the time schedule mechanism built in the Linux operating system) and by combining the two, create a timely backup solution. There are some solution that suit Linux desktop operating system since the Desktop type of Linux has a graphic interface which can include graphical software tools, but here I will concentrate on the more core like applications which are running in the text mode, which suit both the Linux desktop and the Linux server types of operating systems.

Those Linux backup options are:

1. RSYNC – The Rsync behaves like an RCP (a copying tool), only the Rsync is a synchronization program, which is more efficient since it doesn’t re-copy all of the files that were already copied. The synchronization technique enables us only to save the changes that were made since the last sync/copy was made. This makes the Rsync procedure much more efficient and makes its running time much shorter.

2. AMANDA – is a good backup program that enables you to back up your files onto a backup TAPE. This application can backup multiple hosts, and it is a good solution for such backups. AMANDA uses Samba or Cygwin to enable windows operating systems backup. So you can either backup a Linux environment files or Windows OS files.

3. BACULA – I have to say this tool is a great backup solution for any organization that wants a simple but efficient tool for backing up the organizational servers. If you have several Linux or Windows files across the network that needs to be backed up, this is the solution for you. The BACULA has agents who sit on the client-side (Yes there is an Agent to install on the Windows operating system as well) which is configured to connect to the BACULA backup server, and does the authentication and opening the channel of communication between the BACULA server and its clients.

The configuration procedure is a bit tricky, but once you have read the instructions and made some tests, you will be able to set anything you need, at the schedules you desire.

The BACULA sends backup confirmations through e-mails, so the IT Manager (Network Administrator) can get the backup status updates of the nightly backups directly to his e-mail, and track the backups first things in the morning.  The backup can be done either on local hard-disks, external USB drives or network NFS file servers.

I recommend this program, try it out.