can I backup my whole linode into an image?
I am setting up my linode and I already started few times. It would be great help if I can backup it up when I am happy with the current status and before I have to redo it again
Is there any way how to do that? I am thinking of creating an (partition) image but not sure if it is doable.
Thank you
R
4 Replies
A backup on your Linode will only protect you from your mistakes -- you can revert to a previous installation version if you screw something up. It will not protect you against hardware failure.
@pclissold:
You can duplicate a Linode disk image in the Linode Manager (Image Options => Duplicate Image),
that's great.
How's it about space? The new image will consume only used space or will be equal to the size of my linode ?
@cimenta:
How's it about space? The new image will consume only used space or will be equal to the size of my linode ?
Upside: it's quick and easy. Downside: the duplicate is the same size as the original image (they are just files on the host system).
To use less space, you can use tar with compression to make a backup to a separate drive image (caveats about live file systems still apply).
I suggest that you use the quick and easy duplication system while you are experimenting, then switch to a more robust backup strategy when you are happy with your Linode. Once you have a 'real' backup strategy in place, you can delete the backup disk image and increase the size of your Linode's operational image(s).
@pclissold:
@cimenta:How's it about space? The new image will consume only used space or will be equal to the size of my linode ?
Upside: it's quick and easy. Downside: the duplicate is the same size as the original image (they are just files on the host system).To use less space, you can use tar with compression to make a backup to a separate drive image (caveats about live file systems still apply).
I suggest that you use the quick and easy duplication system while you are experimenting, then switch to a more robust backup strategy when you are happy with your Linode. Once you have a 'real' backup strategy in place, you can delete the backup disk image and increase the size of your Linode's operational image(s).
Thank you. Now I know exactly what to do.