Machine Replication

[Karl Denninger]

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 at 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