raidisnotabackup/content/3.md

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2016-09-28 12:17:03 -04:00
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title = "So how do I back up?"
description = "Backups are a contentions and complicated subject, but these simple rules should help guide you."
weight = 3
type = "post"
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2016-09-28 12:25:10 -04:00
* Always back up in **some way**. While a copy of the data on the same array won't protect you against all problems, it will protect you against some.
* A **backup on the same server** is susceptable to the **same failures as the original data** set (hardware failure, natural disasters, and the like).
* A good rule of thumb is **three copies** (the RAID is only one copy for this purpose): the **original**, one **onsite copy**, and one **offsite copy**. Store the offsite copy in the cloud, or at a friend's house.
* **Make backups regularly**, at least once a week; the day you need a backup is the day you realize you hadn't run it in 6 months and what you need isn't backed up.
* **Test backups regularly**, at least once a month; **a backup is worthless if you can't restore from it**. Just because you have a backup doesn't mean you're protected; always test them.
2016-09-28 12:17:03 -04:00
There are dozens of backup utilities out there; I'm not going to prosthelytize for any one of them, but I personally use [BackupPC](http://backuppc.sourceforge.net/) for my server and workstation backups.
2016-09-28 23:51:39 -04:00
2016-09-29 12:25:16 -04:00
Do you need to back up everything? Of course not. That's up to you to decide. Some data is replaceable, some isn't. If it isn't, back it up!