[NTLUG:Discuss] Full system backup-restore for Desktop PC

[ntlug@levelofdetail.com]

I have two of the same model and size internal Seagate drives. For
backup I've booted from Knoppix and done dd from hda to hdb - as easy
and complete as it gets, but not particularly convenient. This has saved
me a couple times.

Once a disk image is copied would it then be safe to do backups just by
partition mounting and file copying?

For example, my home directory is on hda4, so:

Make directory and mount backup home directory partition:
   mkdir /mnt/hdbhome
   mount /dev/hdb4 /mnt/hdbhome

Copy from hda home directory partition to hdb:
   cp -ruv /home/ /mnt/hdbhome/

Would this be safe for partitions containing system level files - a
running kernel, files tracking processes, etc? Would I be able to boot
from hdb with no problems if needed?

Ed