System Backup

Back it on up

While an absolute necessity data backups can often be a real hassle. In an attempt to simplify the management of data backups for our corporate systems I came across the open source solution of BackupPC.

The initial setup of the backup server on my Ubuntu 8.04 Server, was pretty easy. The included configure.pl install script pretty much handles all the heavy lifting for setup. All that is left is the backup machines configuration. The good news, you don't have to go to each individual machine to install any client or special software, and it works equally as good on windows or linux. (Although I've so far only configured for windows boxes so far. After you add the name/IP of the "host" machine (i.e. the computer that you are wanting to backup) you have go to the "select a host" drop down menu and click the one you want.

The main screen is fairly unimposing and will give you an easy snapshot of how backups have been going; that is it will once you've configured everything correctly. When you choose the Edit Config option from the host screen, the array of configuration options and settings may take you aback. It certainly did me, especially since I wasn't sure what a most of the options were even talking about. But have no fear, that's what documentation is for. And BackupPC has some comparatively good documentation for any open source project.

I could go into the minutia of my specific configuration settings, but that will be for another time. Needless to say, I am so far a fan (as I've only had it running for 2 weeks and have yet to try to implement a restore on anything, I will leave a definitive judgment until later.

The computer tweek out continues

Update to my inherited Gateway: I decided since I was going to all the effort of giving my "new" PC some stonger "legs" via upgrading the memory to 3.5 GB of RAM, I noticed the motherboard had SATA ports built-in I decided to go buy a couple of Western Digital 500GB Caviar Black SATA drives. I geared up and popped of the case ready to install my new drives. I carefully removed the main fan, unplugged the preinstalled drives IDE cable and Molex power, and pulled the drive bay housing completely out for easy access. I unpacked the drive and decided that since I had never worked with SATA before it might be worth reading the included manual. I know, I know, how very unmannly of me reading directions before starting, but bear in mind I did have my system in pieces on the kitchen table :) . Browsing over to the installation page and "read" the pictures, happening to glance at the plugs in the drive, specifically noting that I saw nowhere to put a molex plug. "Hmmm, how will this fancy new drive get power?", I thought. Now, I was forced to actually read the complete page. Turns out, that had I done a little more homework I would have realized that SATA drive require specific SATA power plugs, and needless to say my little OEM PC did not come with them. So now I'm stuck waiting for the post man again for my molex to SATA connectors.

WINDOWS WARES free and open source 3

Part 3

UTILITIES

Rarely as sexy as other applications. Utility tools and programs are infinitely valuable on any system.

ARCHIVING & FILE MANAGEMENT

7-zip

An (almost) unrivaled archiving and compression application. From my experience the 7z compression format tends to offer one of the best compression rates. While you will specifically need 7-zip to open the file in the future this "con" is paled by the "pros" of the supported formats, low system overhead and encryption support for 7z and ZIP files. It offers great integration within windows and for those with the moxy to jump into the command line, it offers options there as well. Though the GUI lacks some of the friendliness of others, its shear power is worth it.

Zip Genius

Another free file compression software suite, with an emphasis on "Suite", ZipGenius offers a warm and fuzzy graphical interface that can allow even the most inexperienced user the ability to reclaim drive space. It too handles an array of formats (ZIP, RAR, LHA, TAR, RPM, CAB, & ACE to name just a few). Add that to the fact that it offers some slick options for handling and pictures, support for images from TWAIN devices. Like 7-zip it allows multiple encryption options for your archived folders/files. And unlike the former is "skinable" giving even more latitude on the user interface. With its Add-ons giving the you FTP support, "Scan & Zip", the ability to "cut" large archive files into smaller parts, production of self-extracting files, and the conversion of ZIP to ISO format ZipGenius truly is a sweet utility suite.

Foldersize

the one

Ext2FSD

For the Linux/UNIX users out there looking to use there ext2 disks/partitions in windows Ext2 File System Driver opens read/write support when your stuck in a windows world. All in all a handy tool with limited uses. But if you need it, you'll love it.