0

We have been using ext3 for Linux server off-site backups. With everything else on CentOS 6 being ext4, I'm wondering if it would be a better idea to also have the off-site backups in ext4 too? The off-site backups are often LaCie rugged drives.

I was concerned that in the event of an emergency that an off-site backup has to be obtained quickly, the available servers might be older and not support ext4?

Just wondering if there is a concern about keeping the backups in ext4. Thanks!

2 Answers 2

2

I don't think there are any issues with storing your backups on a ext4 formatted disk. I think the Kernel supports ext4 since 2.6.28 so you might run into issues with ancient 2.0.26 Kernels. However I think most boxes should be upgraded to 2.6.32. And as far as I know CentOS6 also supports ext4, so if you don't plan to downgrade to CentOS5 or anything, I think you should be fine.

0

You have to answer few questions first before anyone can answer this questions:

  • What are the benefits? Will you see any improvement?
  • Is there a risk? Can you mitigate it?
  • Do benefits outweigh risks?

It's worth noting that you can mount ext3 as ext4. Do you need journal? Maybe that's a waste of time? Do you store backups in tars?

To be honest storing backups on standalone disks (which I guess are moved?) is not the best solution in the first place. What happens when someone - in rush! - drops the drive? Please consider tape/online backup etc.

You must log in to answer this question.

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged .