On Thu, Oct 15, 2009 at 01:58:12PM -0400, Avetisyan, Aram wrote:
> We have a few desktops running CERN's version of Scientific Linux (SLC 4.8) and would like to automatically backup the data on these via the network all of them are on. Can anyone recommend a good way to do this? I know of rsync and I've found some rather long lists of software online, but I'm not sure which method is best.

At TRIUMF we use 2 systems:

1) use rsync to copy data to another computer - simple to setup and use, protects your data from a disk crash, etc.
2) use the "amanda" backup system as a full featured site backup solution, where data is ultimately stored
on DLT tapes in a safe in a secure location.

Solution 1 can get you going quickly, but does not protect you from many failure scenarios,
Solution 2 is complicated, but if "done right" provides "the ultimate backup solution".

Other solutions exist that cover the full spectrum between the "simple" and the "full featured",
for example, take a look at "rsnapshot".

-- 
Konstantin Olchanski
Data Acquisition Systems: The Bytes Must Flow!
Email: olchansk-at-triumf-dot-ca
Snail mail: 4004 Wesbrook Mall, TRIUMF, Vancouver, B.C., V6T 2A3, Canada