linux disc imaging
 

I was thinking about running an image backup of my server.
At present, I only have the backups run by zipping up all the main folders like etc, var, usr.
In the past, when something has gone wrong, I have to reinstall the software and then replace the config files.
I'd like to avoid paying for a backup location with the host company so I thought I could install a backup software service on the server and then transfer that file (prob a few gigs) over to another location via ftp.
Any suggestions?

I'd suggest looking into something like mondoarchive, systemimager, or mkcdrec. Mondoarchive is one I've used with very good results, but systemimager has been good as well.

Mondoarchive can create a bootable ISO image, suitable for burning to CD/DVD, or network boot. Puts partitions, files, EVERYTHING back the way it was...entire OS, etc. The 'gotcha' is, is that if you're going to different hardware (like different hard drive controller, RAID, etc.), things can get...interesting. If all you're doing is replacing a bad hard drive, it's a piece of cake.

I don't have access to the server so if I was to create an ISO image Im not sure it would work although the host company may run it for me if it was their hardware fault.
How could I restore a hard drive without a CD? Transferring over the network is not really a possibility is it?

Don't NEED physical access to the server. Run the software on the server, and have it create the .ISO image. Copy it wherever you want.

However, since it's a hosted server, I'd ask if they have a recovery service in place already. You may only need to enable it on your contract, and then they take care of the backups, etc.

I'd love to use their backup storage but it costs £25per month (about $40) for just 25Gb so I'd rather use cheaper alternatives.

However, say the system crashes and I rebuild the server afresh.
I then transfer the backed up ISO image. Can the software restore the hard drive from an ISO image on the same hard drive?
Surely I'd have to partition it off somehow.

You can do that...build the ISO on your server, then copy it to your local machine.

When it comes time to restore the server, you COULD build a DVD, etc., and send it to them to use. Mondoarchive will rebuild the partitions automatically. But, be aware that the hosting company may not want to use anything but what THEY want, no matter of how easy you make it. If they'll rebuild the OS for you, then I'd have a cron job set up on my box, to back up the data, configs, etc., then copy that off to my local system. If the server croaked, it'll come back up, then you just have to unTAR the file onto your box.

They have a rebuild job, which can be started from their website, which takes a few hours.
That is what I would do at the moment, rebuild, then transfer the zip file from the backup and unzip all the folders /etc /var /usr BUT that does not install the software, reset the iptables, masquerading, etc.
However, for mondo to restore the partitions, it has to work from a file on a separate partition doesn't it or off a CD or off an external hard drive otherwise it cannot rebuild the partition?

Yep..it builds off a CD or network boot image.

Another way to attack this, would be to put the RPM's, source packages, etc., into a single location, and be sure to include that into the zip package. Export your iptables config to a file, and manually include all your configs in the ZIP file, or (as I do), put your configs for things like Samba, NTP, etc., into a central location, and make symbolic links to their 'real' locations.

Without the server being under your control, you are limited in what you can do.

I think I'd look at one of these. http://www.foogazi.com/2008/02/25/fr...kup-solutions/

Bacula may be the most complete.