Week_Four_Revision

Week_Four_Revision

1. What utility would be used to archive files?

   • - The Tar (tape archive) utility.  - Operates by creating archives by combining multiple files and directories into a single file.  

2. What directories should be included in regular backups and why?

   • - /etc = It contains core configuration files, security files, network configuration files, user and group information. - /home = each user has a /home directory, this will store all their important information and data.  - /opt = additional software and packages added after the default installation.  - /root = root users home directory, this will contain important information and data.  - /var = system-specific information that changes while the system is running normally - this could contain important data/information.

3. Command to back up the /home/user1 directory

   • - tar -cvf backup0.tar -V "This is a full backup of the /home/user1 directory! --listed -incremental=/home/user1/backup.snap *

4. Symbol used to redirect command output TO a file

   • ~> ls > myfile

5. Symbol used to redirect command input FROM a file

   • ~> ls | more

6. Symbol used to redirect command output as input to another command

   • ~>ls | more > myfile

7. Gzip Utility

   • - A compression utility.  - Reduces the size of data to store information in less space.  - Enables quicker transfer of data across networks.
   • Files Compressed:
     • - Extension = .gz  - The same file permissions, ownership and modification time as original file exists.  - However file size is smaller. 
   • Compression Ratio:
     • = How much a file is reduced after compression.  - Text files usually reduced by 60%-70% after compression.  -v command enables compression ratio to be viewed.

8. Performing automatic scheduling of system backups - how would this be achieved?

   • This would be achieved by using Cron daemon (crond)
     • - This uses a configuration file called a cron table to schedule commands that run at specified times.  - This type of scheduling is best conducted during OFF hours when fewer people are logged into the system as less disruption in service is achievedand reduced risk of data/file corruption.  
   • Command Example =
     • /bin/tar/ -cPf ~/home0.tar --listed-incremental=$HOME/snapshot/home.snap /home/*