From owner-freebsd-stable@FreeBSD.ORG Thu Jul 21 19:32:31 2005 Return-Path: X-Original-To: freebsd-stable@freebsd.org Delivered-To: freebsd-stable@freebsd.org Received: from mx1.FreeBSD.org (mx1.freebsd.org [216.136.204.125]) by hub.freebsd.org (Postfix) with ESMTP id 397F516A421 for ; Thu, 21 Jul 2005 19:32:31 +0000 (GMT) (envelope-from karl@FS.denninger.net) Received: from FS.denninger.net (wsip-68-15-213-52.at.at.cox.net [68.15.213.52]) by mx1.FreeBSD.org (Postfix) with ESMTP id 2522643D64 for ; Thu, 21 Jul 2005 19:32:20 +0000 (GMT) (envelope-from karl@FS.denninger.net) Received: from fs.denninger.net (localhost [127.0.0.1]) by FS.denninger.net (8.13.3/8.13.1) with SMTP id j6LJWKND062281 for ; Thu, 21 Jul 2005 14:32:20 -0500 (CDT) (envelope-from karl@FS.denninger.net) Received: from fs.denninger.net [127.0.0.1] by Spamblock-sys (LOCAL); Thu Jul 21 14:32:20 2005 Received: (from karl@localhost) by FS.denninger.net (8.13.3/8.13.1/Submit) id j6LJWKMJ062279 for freebsd-stable@freebsd.org; Thu, 21 Jul 2005 14:32:20 -0500 (CDT) (envelope-from karl) Date: Thu, 21 Jul 2005 14:32:20 -0500 From: Karl Denninger To: freebsd-stable@freebsd.org Message-ID: <20050721193220.GB61902@FS.denninger.net> Mail-Followup-To: freebsd-stable@freebsd.org References: <42DFF582.1050406@unixforge.net> Mime-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii Content-Disposition: inline In-Reply-To: <42DFF582.1050406@unixforge.net> User-Agent: Mutt/1.4.2.1i Organization: Karl's Sushi and Packet Smashers X-Die-Spammers: Spammers cheerfully broiled for supper and served with ketchup! Subject: Re: Machine Replication X-BeenThere: freebsd-stable@freebsd.org X-Mailman-Version: 2.1.5 Precedence: list List-Id: Production branch of FreeBSD source code List-Unsubscribe: , List-Archive: List-Post: List-Help: List-Subscribe: , X-List-Received-Date: Thu, 21 Jul 2005 19:32:31 -0000 On Thu, Jul 21, 2005 at 12:20:34PM -0700, Eli K. Breen wrote: > All, > > Does anyone have a good handle on how to replicate (read: image) a > freebsd machine from one machine to an ostensibly similar machine? > > So far I've used countless variations and combinations of the following: > > dd (Slow, not usefull if the hardware isn't identical?) > tar (Doesn't replicate MBR) > rsync (No MBR support) > Norton Ghost (Doesn't support UFS/UFS2?) > G4U (little experience with this) > > Now whether my details are a bit off, that's fine, I don't want this to > be diluted in to discussion of minute frivolous details (as these things > are wont to do), but what I _am_ looking for is a tried, tested and true > method of FreeBSD machine replication, specifically for the 5.3+ releases. > > Many thanks, > > -E- Define "similar". If the disk is compatable (target disk equal or larger in size than the source), you can use "gmirror" to image a machine, quiesce the machine, force-detach the hardware (even hot-unplug it if supported) and boot the resulting disk (if you set up the gmirror system properly in the first place) Not the fastest method, but it works and copies EVERYTHING. There are other options but you need to be more specific as to what you mean by "similar". -- -- Karl Denninger (karl@denninger.net) Internet Consultant & Kids Rights Activist http://www.denninger.net My home on the net - links to everything I do! http://scubaforum.org Your UNCENSORED place to talk about DIVING! http://homecuda.com Emerald Coast: Buy / sell homes, cars, boats! http://genesis3.blogspot.com Musings Of A Sentient Mind