LearnLinux TV - rsync Backup Tutorial

Introduction to rsync

• Purpose: rsync is used to sync data from one location to another (e.g., another server, backup drive, network share).
• Recommendation: Highly recommended utility; essential to learn for effective data backup management.

Example Server Setup

• Example: Using Nextcloud as the server for backup.
• Backup Server: A dedicated backup server created for this video.
• Storage Details:
  • Nextcloud data stored in a special volume.
  • Backup server has a 200 GB block storage volume.

Initial Setup and Directory Creation

1. Connect to Servers:
   • SSH into Nextcloud instance.
   • SSH into backup server.
2. Prepare Backup Directory:
   • Navigate to backup server: cd /mnt/backup_data.
   • Create a directory for Nextcloud backups:
     • Command: mkdir nextcloud.learnlinux.cloud
   • Change ownership of the directory:
     • Command: sudo chown -R [username]:[group] /mnt/backup_data/nextcloud.learnlinux.cloud

Performing the Backup with rsync

1. Switch to Root User on Nextcloud server for access to all files.
2. Identify Source Directory:
   • Nextcloud data located at /mnt/Nextcloud_data.
3. Dry Run with rsync:
   • Command structure:
     • rsync -avz /mnt/Nextcloud_data/ [username]@[IP address]:/mnt/backup-data/nextcloud.learnlinux.cloud
   • Importance of Dry Run: Simulates the backup process without transferring files; helps prevent overwriting important data.
4. Execute Actual Backup:
   • Remove dry run option and run the command to copy files.
   • Verify files are copied to the backup directory.

Creating a Backup Script

1. Clear Existing Backup (rm -rf *):
   • Be cautious with this command.
2. Create Backup Script:
   • Save the rsync command in backup.sh.
   • Add a hashbang: #!/bin/bash
3. Implement Date Variable in Script:
   • Capture current date for backup folder naming:
     • Example: date=$(date +%F)
   • Modify the backup destination to include the date in the folder name.
4. Mark Script as Executable:
   • Use command: chmod +x backup.sh
5. Run the Backup Script:
   • Check backup server for new date-named directory containing backed-up files.

Conclusion

• Backup folders are named by date for easy tracking of backups.
• Facilitates restoration of files from specific points in time.
• Encourage feedback and interaction:
  • Ask viewers to like and comment on the video for future content suggestions.

Final Note

• Thank you for watching! Looking forward to the next video.