Using rsync and snapshotting to simplify backups of large ext4 filesystems

Introduction to rsync and snapshotting

Dealing with large ext4 filesystems can make backups a real challenge. I’ve seen this go wrong when using traditional backup methods like tar or cp - they can be slow and resource-intensive. That’s where rsync and snapshotting come in - they can simplify the backup process and reduce the strain on your system.

What is rsync?

rsync is a fast and versatile command-line utility that synchronizes files and directories across different locations. The real trick is that it uses a delta-transfer algorithm, which only transfers the differences between the source and destination, making it an efficient tool for backups. You can use rsync to synchronize files locally or over a network.

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Recovering from a Botched Package Upgrade with apt and snapshotting

Introduction to Recovery

I’ve seen this go wrong when a package upgrade fails - it can be frustrating and even lead to system instability. When this happens, it’s essential to have a plan in place to recover your system. Fortunately, with the right tools and techniques, recovering from a botched package upgrade is relatively straightforward. In this article, we’ll explore how to use apt and snapshotting to recover from a failed package upgrade on a Linux system.

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