Well, I back up both ways...
DDR type backup of the Linux system disk (/hda).
Sometimes I throw in a tar of the system disk as well.
But all data, I backup logically. Either tar for NFS and Samba, or the
database backup utilities that come with DB2/UDB and Oracle. Not only this
keeps the data in a "known" good state, but you can logically restore one or
more files without restoring everything.
The DDRs are good for the disaster side. So far, the tar of the system disk
hasn't proved useful. When I blow it, either the system won't come up (hence
the DDR restore) or so many files have changed that a logical restore of "some"
files, is just too cumbersome.
I experimented with using the Linux install system (when you IPL the reader
when under VM), to link over to the bad system. That seemed to work. It was
fine for manual editing of configuration files, but didn't include all the
software necessary to access my restore media and the restore programs.
I thought about, but haven't gotten around to it yet, of having a Linux image
as a "repair facility". An image that can have access to all Linux disks, and
procedures setup for "repairing" a damaged image (either manually or by a
logical restore). But so far, haven't had the time.
Tom Duerbusch
THD Consulting
>>> Eddie Chen <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> 6/29/2007 4:01 PM >>>
I think we should ask at what condition that we want to do the restore.
If a users lost some data... DDR types restore is not a good ideal... again
you need software that are friendly to the user. And this is the
same for system ADMIN erase the /etc. Then ADMIN would wish it had done
a "find" with atime, then "tar" the stuff.
If something real bad, Then you best thing is the backup form z/OS/VM
tape. And hope it will come up... most likely it well.
depend on the size of the shop, backup the "DATA" using DDR type(full
backup) is limited.. only have the Saturday/Sunday backup.
. better than nothing, restore what has changed since M-F. In other
environments it will need to rebuild the filesystem and then restore form
tape ..
If you can't backup the "DATA" using DDR, Then you will need to backup the
data as if it your server is a DL585.
The DDR type of backing up system files is not as bad as DATA... some
system has /boot and then /rootvg that can be a problem because when you
add a dasd to that server
you need to make sure is in the list. - In the old days, and I am sure
that most shop shutdown there linux thru the operator #cp shutdown.. not
the "shutdown -h now"
In the environment that has many DL585 how do they restore there server
and identify what is on that server so it can be rebuild and be up to
date..
or if the sysadmin erase something in the /etc
"Mrohs, Ray"
<[EMAIL PROTECTED]
gov> To
Sent by: Linux LINUX-390@VM.MARIST.EDU
on 390 Port cc
<[EMAIL PROTECTED]
IST.EDU> Subject
Re: Backup and Restore Strategies
For Z/Linux
06/29/2007
03:09 PM
Please respond to
Linux on 390 Port
<[EMAIL PROTECTED]
IST.EDU>
The ultimate, I think, would be a VM based backup tool that plays nice
with the Linux file system. It would:
1. Recognize if Linux is running.
2. If Linux is running, tell it to purge it's file cache and 'go to
sleep'.
3. Access a Linux minidisk and understand the file system that resides
there.
4. Run full / incremental backup or restore.
5. Tell Linux to wake up when it's over.
This would also allow easy recovery of dead penguins, as well as take
advantage of proven backup tools. Sounds simple on paper at least.
Ray Mrohs
U.S. Department of Justice
202-307-6896
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Linux on 390 Port [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On
> Behalf Of Eddie Chen
> Sent: Friday, June 29, 2007 2:29 PM
> To: LINUX-390@VM.MARIST.EDU
> Subject: Re: Backup and Restore Strategies For Z/Linux
>
> I think there is two or more issues, backing up the data
> using DDR type
> backup only gives you full backup. therefore you need to install/get
> software package to do you back.
>
> The problems are:
>
> - Many linux server where password changes, many
> other thing get
> installed on that servers.
> - Your not the ADMIN in control of those servers.
> - not all servers are the same. and many others...
>
> If you are lucky, only have few hours to do your
> backup, Sunday from
> 2am-5am.
>
> z/VM we perform the clone, is the same as cratering a
> golden image or
> install linux from a network. The problem is keep track all the
> installed software and what was changed
> on those servers... /etc/passwd
>
> . If you lost you "/usr"... the backup you did was just
> waste of time
> -- you need to boot from "recovery disk", chroot .
>
> . May be DDR type backup is the best
>
> .. Boot linux from a "recovery system(disk)" and mount that
> filesystem(s)
> to correct the problem -- if need, run the restore.
>
> I know there is a shop(s) that do there install from a "one
> servers",
> all ADMINs uses(go thru) that servers to install, config... etc to
> address this issue .
> it seems if there is good maintenance procedures then
> recovery is less
> pain.
>
>
>
>
>
> "McKown, John"
> <[EMAIL PROTECTED]
> thmarkets.com>
> To
> Sent by: Linux LINUX-390@VM.MARIST.EDU
> on 390 Port
> cc
> <[EMAIL PROTECTED]
> IST.EDU>
> Subject
> Re: Backup and Restore
> Strategies
> For Z/Linux
> 06/29/2007
> 11:14 AM
>
>
> Please respond to
> Linux on 390 Port
> <[EMAIL PROTECTED]
> IST.EDU>
>
>
>
>
>
>
> > -----Original Message-----
> > From: Linux on 390 Port [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On
> > Behalf Of Paul Noble
> > Sent: Friday, June 29, 2007 10:01 AM
> > To: LINUX-390@VM.MARIST.EDU
> > Subject: Re: Backup and Restore Strategies For Z/Linux
> >
> >
> > So, if I'm understanding this correctly, taking a backup of a
> > running Linux system from another LPAR gives you, at best, an
> > unreliable backup.
>
> That's certainly how I read it.
>
> >
> > That means that there are only two viable alternatives:
> >
> > Shut down Linux and do the backup from another LPAR or,
>
> Yes. The plus is that you can then restore your Linux environment the
> same way that you restore the z/OS or z/VM environment. Also, you can
> manage your tapes using your standard tape management software (which
> doesn't exist at all on Linux, as I understand it). The minus is
> unavailability of the Linux system during this time (which is
> shorted by
> some sort of "snap shot", if you have that capability) and well as it
> being an "all or nothing" DASD level backup / restore, which is not
> useful for restoring individual files.
>
> >
> > Use a backup client that runs within Linux and therefore
> > participates in its file system processing, getting all the
> > current and correct data for the backup.
>
> Correct. But, again, Linux does not interface to the "normal" tape
> management systems used by other System z operating systems.
>
> >
> > Is that about it?
> >
> > The problem, as I see it, with backing up from another LPAR
> > is that there is no incremental or differential backup
> > capability. Nor is there any selective restore capability.
> > Its an all-or-nothing backup/restore.
>
> Yea.
>
> >
> > Paul Noble
> > Cuyahoga County Information Service Center
>
>
>
> --
> John McKown
> Senior Systems Programmer
> HealthMarkets
> Keeping the Promise of Affordable Coverage
> Administrative Services Group
> Information Technology
>
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