rsnapshot is an rsync-based filesystem snapshot utility. It can take incremental backups of local and remote filesystems for any number of machines. rsnapshot makes extensive use of hard links, so disk space is only used when absolutely necessary.
Using hard links, rsnapshot creates the illusion of multiple full backups, while only taking up the space of one full backup plus differences. When coupled with ssh, it is possible to take snapshots of remote filesystems as well.
Consequently, rsnapshot saves much more disk space. The amount of space required is roughly the size of one full backup, plus a copy of each additional file that is changed.
rsnapshot will typically be invoked as root by a cron job, or series of cron jobs. It is possible, however, to run as any arbitrary user with an alternate configuration file.
Depending on your configuration, it is quite possible to set up the software in only a few minutes. Files can be restored by the users who own them, without the root user getting involved.
It is written entirely in Perl with no module dependencies, and has been tested with versions 5.004 through 5.8.5.
Features include:
- Uses rsync to transfer data.
- Can be used over ssh.
- Supports multiple levels of backup such as monthly, weekly, and daily.
- Stores previous versions as actual files and hardlinks to save space.
- All versions of the backup are accessible as plain files.
- NFS mounted user restores.
- Filename filters.
- Removable media.
Website: rsnapshot.org
Support: FAQ, GitHub
Developer: Bruno Cornec, Andree Leidenfrost, Lars Rupp, Mike Roark
License: GNU General Public License v2.0
rsnapshot is written in Perl. Learn Perl with our recommended free books and free tutorials.
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