Backup Linux desktop data using rsync
Linux servers and desktops can be backed up using the rsync protocol which is a core component of every Linux system. For and introduction check the rsync article on Wikipedia. The official documentation can be found on the Samba website. Rsync is an efficient protocol only sending changes. rsync does not encrypt transmissions, so a remote shell like SSH or RSH should be used in public network. There are a number of Tutorials available (here, here or here). This page describes the steps to setup rsync backup from a Linux machine to a Synology DiskStation.
ToDo:Currently the article is a stub which needs extension.
What to choose: native rsync or rsync via SSH/RSH?
Depending on your needs these are the decision criteria:
- Speed
- Security
- Access control
ToDo: Elaborate
Setting up Synology for rsync
To enable backup via rsync the rsync deamon on the Synology needs to be activated and Sync targets need to be defined.
Activating rsync
Start your Synology DiskStation Manager. Go to Backup - Network Backup Service and check the box "Enable network backup service". Click OK - that's all.
Creating rsync targets
You need to edit the file /etc/rsyncd.conf. You can do that either by opening an SSH session into the DiskStation or using the Config File Editor Third party application. To use it you need to first edit the config File editor config itself and add the line /etc/rsyncd.conf (It seems you have to create the file before the Config File Editor will pick it up). You also might need a file /etc/rsyncd.secrets for users to use rsync connections
Sample file content (see also the full documentation)
ToDo: Add file content here and add explanations to the various entries
Setting up Synology for rsync via SSH/RSH
ToDo: Elaborate
Backing up your Linux workstation using rsync
ToDo: Elaborate
GUI Tools using rsync for backup
Flyback rSync tool modeled after TimeMachine (Flyback on Google code)
QTDSync
GAdmin tool for rsync
ToDo: complete the list of Linux GUI applications using rsync.