[NTLUG:Discuss] backup options?

[Richard Cobbe]

Hello, all.

I'm putting together a proposal for a Linux system to function as a
combination Samba server and router (ip masq) for a friend's small law
firm.  What recommendations do you guys have as far as backup software and
hardware are concerned?  I'm used to mkisofs + cdrecord, but these people
are not as comfortable with low-level interfaces as I am.  (Plus, the
possibility of a backup failing due to a bad CD burn is probably not
acceptable.)

There is, of course, an added wrinkle: we're looking at VA Linux's smallest
system, the StartX SP.  It has only a single IDE controller on the
motherboard, and it drives the HD & CDROM, so additional ATAPI devices
would require buying a separate controller.  To make matters worse, it
comes in a really small case that has no free drive bays, internal or
external, once you put in the HD, CDROM, and 3.5" floppy.  This is less
critical; I think they can handle the $50 or so it would take for a larger
case, and I've switched cases before.

Beyond those constraints, however, I think we're flexible as to hardware:
CD-R, tape, Zip drive, whatever.  Cost is an issue here, so getting the
biggest, fastest, latest, and greatest isn't as important as getting the
job done.

Their requirements are pretty simple: just back up the stuff that's
exported via SAMBA and allow restores with a minimum of fuss.  Incremental
backups would be nifty, but are probably not a requirement.

Thanks in advance,

Richard