[H-GEN] Cloning Linux System

[Stephen Thorne]

On 05/06/05, jasonp at panix.com <jasonp at panix.com> wrote:
> dump/restore:  /sbin/dump -0af /mnt/hda1.dump /dev/hda1
> pro:  gives a copy of the filesystem in a fairly convenient format for
>       many purposes; handles incremental updates if that's something you
>       want.
> con:  will complain if files change while the dump process is running.
>       This could be construed as a feature.  Files will not receive the
>       same inode numbers on the target system; this may be an issue if
>       you're running software that cares about such things.

I recall that there was some form of bug associated with 'dump' and
newer linux kernels, and a quick google shows this:
http://lwn.net/2001/0503/kernel.php3

the dump tool is still maintained, but I don't see anything in the
CHANGES file that acknowledges the kernel bugs...

Either way, neither dump or dd are the tools to use for backing up a
live system imho, you're better off using netcat and tar or rsync.

Why not take the opportunity to upgrade to a later linux version
anyway, if your requirements are zero downtime perfect replicated copy
of live system, you've got a non-trivial set of requirements, why not
spend the time and do a good job while you're there.

-- 
Stephen Thorne
Development Engineer