Ok.. Im trying to write my own backup script using rsync, and im having a little difficulty understanding how to backup multiple directories without using a loop.

For instance, I would like to backup /etc and /home/thorpe, however I would like to skip /home/thorpe.mozilla and /home/thorpe.thumbnails.

Ive tried....
but its just not working. Anyone give me a push? Im reading the manual entry but just not getting it.

Also, would there be a way to backup /home but skip say /home/user/tmp for each user? Something like /home/*/tmp ?

Thanks.

PS: Im not interested in using files as it seems --include-from and --exclude-from do.

Most of rsync options don't need the = after the option.

#disregard the user@host: if you want to backup locally somewhere.