Backing up Linux and UNIX servers

After making backup selections, job properties for the Linux and UNIX host backup jobs should be set. Job properties specifically targeted to Linux and UNIX backup jobs are found in the Backup Job Properties pane under Linux, UNIX, and Macintosh.

Use the following steps to set the backup job properties.

To back up Linux and UNIX servers

  1. After making backup selections from the UNIX or Linux host, from the Backup Job Properties dialog box, under Settings, click Linux, UNIX, and Macintosh.

    The following options appear:

    Preserve change time

    Use this option to prevent the Remote Agent from changing an object's (files and directories) attributes when a backup occurs. Normally, during a backup, Backup Exec preserves an object's last access timestamp by resetting the last access timestamp to the value before the backup occurred. When Backup Exec modifies the objects' last access timestamp, the Linux or UNIX operating system internally updates the object's "ctime." An object's ctime is the time when an object's attributes (permissions, timestamps, etc.) have been modified. If the attributes are not changed by the Remote Agent after a backup, the object's ctime will not change. This option does not affect object attributes set during restore operations.

    Follow local mount points

    Use this option to have Backup Exec follow local mount points when backing up data. For more information on local mount points, see your Linux or UNIX documentation.

    Follow remote mount points

    Use this option to have Backup Exec follow remote mount points when backing up data. For more information on remote mount points, see your Linux or UNIX documentation.

    When you use this option, the following limitations apply:

    • The data that is mounted must reside on a computer that is compatible with Backup Exec, and where you can install a Backup Exec remote agent.

      You can find a list of compatible operating systems, platforms, and applications at the following URL:

      http://entsupport.symantec.com/umi/V-269-1

    • If the mount point leads to an operating system that Backup Exec does not support, you must work with the operating system's vendor to resolve any problems related to backups or restores.

    Back up contents of soft-linked directories

    Use this option to back up the contents of directories that are linked using soft links. You must also select the directory that contains the soft links.

    If you select only the soft link, the link is backed up. However, the data to which the link points is not backed up.

    Linux and UNIX computers use many soft-links, some of which may point to parent directories. Selecting this option can result in duplicate data being backed up to tape, and it can also cause backup jobs to continue indefinitely.

    This option can be useful in certain situations. For example, you can use this option to back up a single directory that contains soft-links to data you want backed up.

    For more information on soft-linked directories, see your Linux or UNIX documentation.

    Lock remote files

    Use this option if the Remote Agent requires exclusive access to the files on remote systems connected through Network File System (NFS).

    Backup method for eDirectory (Linux only)

    Select a backup method for backing up eDirectory data. Selections include Full Backup and Incremental - since last full or incremental.

  2. Make the appropriate selections or use the default selections provided.

  3. Click General in the Properties pane of the Backup Job Properties screen.

  4. In the list box for Backup method for files, select Full - Back up files - Using modified time rather than Full - Back up files - Using archive bit (reset archive bit), as the concept of an archive bit is not valid in UNIX environments.

More Information

About protecting Novell Open Enterprise Server components on SUSE Linux Enterprise Server

Restoring Novell OES components