What you need to back up on Linux to recover

Q. I am new to Linux and I would like to know what I need to back up on Linux to recover later on like directory names and other configuration issue.

A. This is a big question - What should I back up?

You need to backup user data, databases (MySQL or Oracle) and software configuration file. User data is usually stored at /home directory.

I recommend back up following directories:

• /etc - Stores authentication data and other software configuration files
• /home - User data and mail boxes
• /var/log - Log files
• A list of all installed software or applications
• Databases - Use database utilities to backup data.

You need make full and incremental backup. Tape device is best for bulk data as well as FTP or NAS backup server.

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