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Each time LBackup is executed a snapshot of the backup source directory is generated. Backups are incremental and take advantage of hard-links to reduce the disk usage requirements of your backup set(s). Each time LBackup is executed a snapshot of the backup source directory is generated. Backups are incremental and take advantage of hard-links to reduce the disk usage requirements of your backup set(s).
-\\ \\ +\\ \\
[[screencasts|{{screencast_logo.png?100|}}]] [[screencasts|{{screencast_logo.png?100|}}]]
-To see LBackup in action you may be interested in [[screencasts|viewing the screencasts]]. +  * [[screencasts|See LBackup in action]], [[screencasts|watch a screen-cast]]. 
-\\ \\ +  * [[about#lbackup_features_at_a_glance|View an overview of LBackup features]]. 
- +\\ 
-LBackup is configured with configuration files. Backup and reporting is initiated via the command line. Simple automated backups may be configured within 10 minutes (excluding the time required for testing). With regards restoring files from a backup set, LBackup offers great flexibility. This is because the backup snapshots are presented like any other files on your operating system.+LBackup is configured via configuration files. Backup and reporting is initiated via the command line. Simple automated backups may be configured within 10 minutes (excluding the time required for testing). With regards restoring files from a backup set, LBackup offers great flexibility. This is because the backup snapshots are presented like any other files on your operating system.
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-A majority of the code base has been tested for over 5 years. Although LBackup is pre-release beta software, it is considered to be stable for deployment and is currently deployed across the globe by various prominent institutions. This rapid adoption is primarily due to [[about#reporting|advanced error reporting]], readily available [[lbackup_support|support]] and configuration flexibility.+A majority of the code base has been tested for over 5 years. Although LBackup is pre-release beta software, it is considered to be stable for deployment and is currently deployed across the globe by various prominent institutions. This rapid adoption is primarily due to [[about#reporting|advanced error reporting]], readily available [[support]] and configuration [[http://www.lbackup.org/documentation#advanced_setup|flexibility]].
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-LBackup is disk-to-disk backup front end to [[rsync]]. This means that LBackup is easily able to handle the backup of data sets well in excess of 1TB. However, if [[rsync]] is not preserving meta data required by your backup policy, then LBackup will not resolve this issue. Instead, you will need to install or [[developer:rsync_hfs|compile]] a copy of [[rsync]] for your system(s) which preserves the meta data required by your backup policy. This is particularly important if your backup policy requires the preservation of [[access control lists|ACL's]].+LBackup is disk-to-disk backup front end to [[rsync]]. This means that LBackup is easily able to handle backup of data sets well in excess of 1TB. However, if [[rsync]] is not preserving meta data required by your backup policy, then LBackup will not resolve this issue. Instead, you will need to install or [[developer:rsync_hfs|compile]] a copy of [[rsync]] for your system(s) which preserves the meta data required by your backup policy. This is particularly important if your backup policy requires the preservation of [[access control lists|ACL's]].
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LBackup is ideal backup tool in the following situations (just to name a few) : LBackup is ideal backup tool in the following situations (just to name a few) :
  * Network backup of running virtual machines, with auto-snapshots enabled.   * Network backup of running virtual machines, with auto-snapshots enabled.
-  * Network backup of file servers, including Mac OS X Server. +  * Network backup of file / web servers, including Mac OS X Server. 
-  * Network backup of your home folder, even if it is encrypted with file vault.+  * Multi-destination network backup of your home folder, even if it is encrypted with [[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/FileVault|FileVault]] 
 +\\  
 + 
 +The LBackup project is completely open. As such this documentation is editable by you. LBackup it's self is editable and you are able to [[developer:|see and contribute to the direction of the project]]. Visit the [[contribute|contribute page]] if you would like to make LBackup even better. You may also [[source|install LBackup directly form the source code]]. 
\\ \\
-The LBackup project is completely open. As such this documentation is editable by you. LBackup it's self is editable and you are able to [[developer:|see and contribute to the direction of the project]]. Visit the [[contribute|contribute page]] if you would like to make LBackup even better.+If you have questions, comments or suggestions relating to LBackup, then please post to the [[mailing lists|discussion mailing list]] or [[http://www.lucidsystems.org/contact/|contact us directly]].
/* /*
-Before settling on LBackup as a backup solution in you organization it is recommended that you check out the [[frequently_asked_questions|FAQ]], the [[about#lbackup_features_at_a_glance features|features list]] and also [[http://www.sanitarium.net/golug/rsync_backups.html|this informative writeup on using rsync for backups]].+Before settling on LBackup as a backup solution in you organization it is recommended that you check out the [[frequently_asked_questions|FAQ]], the [[about#lbackup_features_at_a_glance features|features list]] and also [[http://www.sanitarium.net/golug/rsync_backups.html|this informative writeup on using rsync for backups]].
*/ */
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Just like LBackup this documentation is able to be edited. If you find any errors or omissions within the documentation then you are [[contribute#helping_with_the_documentation_welcome| welcome to improve the documentation]]. Just like LBackup this documentation is able to be edited. If you find any errors or omissions within the documentation then you are [[contribute#helping_with_the_documentation_welcome| welcome to improve the documentation]].
\\ \\ \\ \\
-The aim of this documentation is to provide developers and end uses alike with information on LBackup's capabilities, as well as details regarding the configuration of LBackup. +The aim of this documentation is to provide developers and end uses with information on LBackup's capabilities, as well as details regarding the configuration of LBackup. In addition, the documentation contains scripts and other helpful information relevant to the LBackup project. 
-\\ \\ +\\ \\  
-Finally, this documentation contains various references to other tools so that even if LBackup is not quite what you are need, this sight may point you towards the tool which will do what you want.+Finally, this documentation contains various references to [[alternatives|other tools]] so that even if LBackup is not quite what you are need, this documenation may point you towards the tool which will do what you want.
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====== LBackup Purpose ====== ====== LBackup Purpose ======
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  * LBackup is intended to make the deployment of a robust backup system quick and easy, while remaining flexible enough to integrate into your existing information infrastructure.   * LBackup is intended to make the deployment of a robust backup system quick and easy, while remaining flexible enough to integrate into your existing information infrastructure.
-  * LBackup is primarily aimed at system administrators who deal with a lot of data. This makes it ideal for research and development departments, universities and storage companies.+  * LBackup is primarily aimed at system administrators who deal with a lot of data. This makes it ideal for research and development departments, universities, government departments and storage / hosting companies.
  * Preservation of Mac OS X meta data such as ACL's, resource forks and POSIX permissions.   * Preservation of Mac OS X meta data such as ACL's, resource forks and POSIX permissions.
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[[http://www.lucidsystems.org/lbackup|{{golden_safe.jpg|}}]] [[http://www.lucidsystems.org/lbackup|{{golden_safe.jpg|}}]]
-  * Ensure digital assets are safe.+  * Ensure digital assets are safe
\\ \\ \\ \\
-====== LBackup Support ====== +LBackup fully supports multiple redundant encrypted backup sets. As such LBackup affords greater backup reliability by offering built-in support for the redundant distribution of encrypted backup sets across multiple computer systems.
-/*LBackup support is available from [[http://www.lucidsystems.org|Lucid Information Systems]].*/+
-Support for LBackup is available from [[http://www.lucidsystems.org|Lucid Information Systems]]. If you require assistance with the setup or configuration of LBackup then [[http://www.lucidsystems.org/contact/|contact]] Lucid. +\\ \\
-\\ \\ +
-[[http://www.lucidsystems.org|Lucid]] also offers digital information processing, and storage [[http://www.lucidsystems.org/about.html|consultation services]]. Should you be looking for a managed storage solution, then visit the [[http://www.lucidsystems.org/lucidsolprebuilt.html#ProStorage|Lucid pro storage page]].  +
-\\ \\ +
-<sub>• [[lbackup support|View further information on LBackup support]]</sub>+
-\\ \\+===== Backup Jobs LBackup is Designed to Handle ===== 
 +  * LBackup is aimed at backing up the user data  
 +    * eg. ///Users// on a Mac OS X client, an //AFP share point// on a Mac OS X server, ///srv/www// on a Ubuntu system configured as a web server) 
 +  * LBackup has a fucus on multi-desintation backup 
 +    * LBackup fully supports backup to encrypted sparse bundles on Mac OS X. One approach to multi-destination backup is a post script which uses rsync or LBackup to copy or update changes to multiple destination systems.
- 
- 
- 
-===== What LBackup is Not ===== 
-  * LBackup is not intended for large scale deployment, unless used in combination with some sort of file system management tool. 
-  * LBackup is not inteded for full system backups. 
\\ \\ \\ \\
- +====== LBackup Support ====== 
- +The first port of call for LBackup support is the [[mailing lists|discussion mailing list]]. If you are having a problem, [[[[mailing lists|sign up]] and ask a question. 
- +\\ \\  
 +Free and paid support options are outlined in further detail on the [[support|LBackup support page]]. If you require (on-site or remote) assistance with the setup, configuration or maintenance of LBackup you will find people and organizations who are ready to help. 
 +\\ \\ 
 +[[http://www.lucidsystems.org|Lucid]], is one company who sponsors and offers support for LBackup. In addition, Lucid also offers digital information processing, and storage [[http://www.lucidsystems.org/about.html|consultation services]]. If you are looking for a managed storage or backup solution, then visit the [[http://www.lucidsystems.org/lucidsolprebuilt.html#ProStorage|pro storage page]]. 
 +\\ \\
====== LBackup Features at a Glance ====== ====== LBackup Features at a Glance ======
    * [[about#Designed for User Data Backup|Designed for Backup of User Data]]     * [[about#Designed for User Data Backup|Designed for Backup of User Data]]
-    * [[about#License|Licensed under the GNU GPL]] +    * [[about#License|Licensed under the GNU GPL]] (open source : inspect the code and change the code to suit your requirements) 
-    * [[about#Full Backup Tree / Hard Links|Full Backup Tree]] +    * [[about#Full Backup Tree / Hard Links|Full Backup Tree]] (each run creates a backup snap shot, which is presented as a complete backup of the source) 
-    * [[about#Encryption|Encrypted Backups]] (Transport and Storage)+    * [[about#Encryption|Encrypted Backups]] (transport and storage)
    * [[about#Reporting|Flexible Reporting]]     * [[about#Reporting|Flexible Reporting]]
-    * [[about#Full Backup Tree / Hard Links|Hard Links]] (Saving Space) +    * [[about#Full Backup Tree / Hard Links|Hard Links]] (disk usage saving) 
-    * [[about#RSync Back-end|RSync Back-end]] (Reliable) +    * [[about#RSync Back-end|RSync Back-end]] (reliable) 
-    * [[about#mac_os_x_meta_data_support|Support for Various Mac OS X Meta Data]] (eg. Preservation of ACL's)+    * [[about#mac_os_x_meta_data_support|Support for Various Mac OS X Meta Data]] (eg. preservation of ACL's)
    * [[about#Pre and Post Actions|Pre and Post Actions]] (such as mounting and un-mounting volumes)     * [[about#Pre and Post Actions|Pre and Post Actions]] (such as mounting and un-mounting volumes)
    * [[network backup|Network Backup]]     * [[network backup|Network Backup]]
    * [[about#Automation|Automation]]     * [[about#Automation|Automation]]
    * [[about#Dynamic Multi-Destination Support|Dynamic Multi-Destination Support]] (multiple backup locations)     * [[about#Dynamic Multi-Destination Support|Dynamic Multi-Destination Support]] (multiple backup locations)
-    * Full installation and configuration is possible via a command line interface. +    * Simultaneous configuration execution (backup of multiple hosts and directories simultaneously) 
 +    * [[source|Installation]] and [[configuring_a_basic_backup|configuration]] is possible via a command line interface.  
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====== Alternatives to LBackup ====== ====== Alternatives to LBackup ======
- +Although LBackup is a great backup software, it is not going to the right tool in every situation. It is important to pick the right tool for the job. The [[alternatives|alternatives page]] offers a list of other backup solutions which may meet your requirements more closely.
-  * If you are interested in performing a bootable backup of Mac OS X system have a look at [[http://www.bombich.com/software/ccc.html|Carbon Copy Cloner]], [[http://www.shirt-pocket.com/SuperDuper/|SuperDuper]], or the [[Full System Backup]] page. +
- +
- +
-  * If you are looking for an enterprise grade (costs money, supports tape and ACL backup out of the box) backup solution then consider [[http://www.bakbone.com/|NetVault]] or [[http://www.tolisgroup.com/|Bru]]. Alternatively, if you are on a tight budget or would prefer an open source backup solution consider [[http://backuppc.sourceforge.net/|BackupPC]], [[http://www.bacula.org|Bacula]] or [[http://amanda.zmanda.com|Amanda]].  +
- +
-  * If you are interested a very simple backup solution then consider some of the various *NIX commands. A couple of *NIX tools to consider are [[http://man.cx/afio|afio]] and [[http://man.cx/tar|tar]]. When combined with tools such as [[http://man.cx/find|find]] you will be able to quickly construct a customized backup solution. If you end up constructing a custom backup script or command we encourage you to [[contribute|submit]] these to the LBackup project. This is because we are constantly looking for ways to make LBackup more flexible. +
- +
-  *[[http://www.math.ualberta.ca/imaging/rlbackup/|rlbackup]] uses the [[network_backup_strategies|push backup strategy]]. It is also an [[http://samba.anu.edu.au/rsync/|rsync]] wrapper and supports hard links. +
- +
-  *[[http://www.dirvish.org|Dirvish]] has some unique approaches to backup management and is worth a look. +
- +
-  * If you like the sound of RSync, but do not really want to edit a text file to configure your backups, then [[http://www.ripcordbackup.com/Home.html|ripcordbackup]], [[http://arrsync.sourceforge.net/|arRsync]], [[http://archive.macosxlabs.org/rsyncx/rsyncx.html|RSyncX]] ([[http://www.egg-tech.com/mac_backup/|tutorial]]) or [[http://web.mac.com/simonvrel/easyrsync/easyrsync.html| EasyRsync]] may be worth a look. In addition, on LINUX there is [[http://gadmintools.flippedweb.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=51&Itemid=38|GADMIN-RSYNC]]. +
- +
-  * If you would like to just use RSync, then there are plenty of [[rsync tips| tutorials and tips]] available, to help get you started. +
- +
-  * If you are having difficulty keeping an encrypted image in sync across a set of networks, consider [[http://duplicity.nongnu.org/|duplicity]]. +
- +
-  * [[http://www.rsnapshot.org/rsnapshot.html|Rsnapshot]] is command line tool which produces hard linked backups like LBackup. +
- +
-  * [[http://www.scottlu.com/Content/Link-Backup.html|Link-Backup]] is a command line tool which deals with file and directory renames. The LBackup team are working to integrate Link-Backup with LBackup in the future. +
- +
-  * [[http://www.nongnu.org/rdiff-backup/|rdiff-backup]] is a command line tool which simultaneously supports both [[network_backup_strategies|push and pull network backup strategies]]. In addition, rdiff-backup is very good at only storing the changes between different version of a file. This results in drastic reductions in the amount of space required for the backups when using rdiff-backup in under certain circumstances. +
- +
-  * [[http://www.apple.com/macosx/features/timemachine.html|TimeMachine]] is bundled into Mac OS X 10.5 and later and provides an intuitive GUI for restore operations. +
- +
-  * If you would like to run RSync on Microsoft Windows, you could consider installing RSync under [[http://www.cygwin.com|Cygwin]] or you could take a look at [[http://www.aboutmyip.com/AboutMyXApp/DeltaCopy.jsp|DeltaCopy]], [[http://www.nncron.ru/|nnBackup]] or [[http://www.nasbackup.com|NasBackup]]. +
- +
-/* +
- +
-  * [[http://www.decimus.net/|Snapshot]] is a GUI backup utility for Mac OS X. +
- +
-*/ +
- +
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- 
====== LBackup Features in Depth ====== ====== LBackup Features in Depth ======
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- 
- 
===== RSync Back-end ===== ===== RSync Back-end =====
-LBackup copies files between devices using /*[[http://samba.anu.edu.au/rsync/|RSync]]*/ [[rsync]]. LBackup is just a wrapper to [[rsync]]. The LBackup configuration files make it quick and easy to specify a backup and to then automate this backup with a scheduling program such as [[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cron|CRON]] or [[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Launchd|LaunchD]].+LBackup copies files between devices using /*[[http://samba.anu.edu.au/rsync/|RSync]]*/ [[rsync]]. LBackup is a wrapper to [[rsync]]. The LBackup configuration files make it quick and easy to specify a backup and to then automate this backup with a scheduling program such as [[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cron|CRON]], [[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Launchd|LaunchD]], [[anacron|Anacron]] or some other scheduler.
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- 
===== Automation ===== ===== Automation =====
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  * [[http://www.tuaw.com/2006/12/25/trigger-backups-on-connect-with-launchd/|Trigger backups on connect with launchd]]   * [[http://www.tuaw.com/2006/12/25/trigger-backups-on-connect-with-launchd/|Trigger backups on connect with launchd]]
\\ \\
 +
 +[[screencasts|{{screencast_logo.png?100|}}]]
 +
 +  * [[screencasts|See LBackup in action]], [[screencasts|watch a screen-cast on scheduling network backups via cron]].
 +\\
Below are a couple of OS X GUI interfaces for the scheduling utilities mentioned above. Below are a couple of OS X GUI interfaces for the scheduling utilities mentioned above.
  * [[http://www.abstracture.de/projects-en/cronnix|Cronnix]]   * [[http://www.abstracture.de/projects-en/cronnix|Cronnix]]
  * [[http://lingon.sourceforge.net|Lingon]]   * [[http://lingon.sourceforge.net|Lingon]]
\\ \\
-On the topic of automation, [[http://members.cox.net/18james/anacron-tiger.html|Anacron]] is an OS X utility which will check to see if there are any scheduled jobs which are outstanding (have not been run). This may be useful if you have scheduled tasks set on machine which is not running 24/7.+On the topic of automation, [[http://anacron.sourceforge.net/|Anacron]] utility which will check to see if there are any scheduled jobs which are outstanding (have not been run). This may be useful if you have scheduled tasks set on machine which is not running 24/7. Mac OS X users you may want to use the  [[http://members.cox.net/18james/anacron-tiger.html|Anacron package installer]]. Details regarding the use of Anacron and LBackup is available on the [[anacron|Anacron page]].
\\ \\ \\ \\
Finally, the [[network_backup|network backup page]] contains information on leveraging an SSH Agent in conjunction with Cron to configure automated backups. Finally, the [[network_backup|network backup page]] contains information on leveraging an SSH Agent in conjunction with Cron to configure automated backups.
-\\ \\+ 
 +\\ \\
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 +
====== Development History ====== ====== Development History ======
-LBackup was originally developed by [[http://www.lucidsystems.org|Lucid Information Systems]]. Development started in 2002 before Lucid was officially formed. In August 2007 LBackup was re-released under the GNU GPL.+LBackup was originally developed by [[http://www.lucidsystems.org|Lucid Information Systems]]. Development started in 2001 before Lucid was officially formed. In August 2007 LBackup was re-released under the GNU GPL.
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Today LBackup is maintained by the [[contributors|LBackup team]]. Today LBackup is maintained by the [[contributors|LBackup team]].
 
 
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