[OT] Understanding Linux backup limitations

[Young]

Bart Silverstrim wrote:
> Brian McKee wrote:
>> On Fri, Sep 12, 2008 at 4:04 PM, Young <tuxman at knology.net> wrote:
>>> Oh, great guru, please hear my plea. :)
>>>
>>> I want to understand why a Linux partition must be unmounted before a
>>> cloned image can be created. I haven't been able to find anything yet; I
>>> guess I don't know the key word to search.
>>>
>>> I'd appreciate a lead to something that explains this limitation.
>>>
>>> First, I'd like to know if it's a kernel issue, or a file system issue.
>>> Then an explanation of why the problem exists.
>> I agree with Bart that the only issue is the darned file might change
>> while you're backing it up.
>> That's not a Linux thing, it's a computer thing.
>>
>> LVM can do 'snapshots' that helps overcome this.  I think Windows
>> shadow copy is similar.  ZFS has something too.
> 
> For the OP, is there a specific situation you're investigating backing 
> up for? Anything in particular you're looking for advice on? Or was it 
> just curiosity?
> 
Mostly curiosity, but I'd like to see a solution. It's a shame for Linux 
that a Windows backup program can create an image backup of a booted 
system, but Linux can't.

My concerns are really for the SOHO users. Larger companies have 
multiple systems, and probably a sys admin.

Creating an image backup of a Linux install is a pain. And because of 
that it doesn't get done as often as it should. Or people backup only 
their home directory. I know, for myself, that it's stopped me from 
trying out certain things because the risk/reward/pain/time ratios just 
weren't good enough. It's slowing down the learning process for me, and 
I'll never really move to Linux unless this gets fixed, because I know 
I'll end up skipping a backup.

And, while image backups aren't the only type of backup needed, the rest 
of the backup programs available aren't very friendly either.

I think SOHO users need a GUI backup program that can create an image 
backup, and then be set to auto create incremental or differential 
backups on top that. I'd pay for that.

Mark