When you need to back up and restore complete file systems, use the ufsdump and ufsrestore commands described in Chapter 45, The ufsdump and ufsrestore Commands (Reference). When you want to copy or move individual files, portions of file systems, or complete file systems, you can use the procedures described in this chapter as an alternative to ufsdump and ufsrestore.
The table below describes when to use the various backup commands.
Table 46-1 When to Use Various Backup Commands
If You Want To ... |
Then Use ... |
Reference |
---|---|---|
Back up file systems to tape | ||
Restore file systems from tape | ||
Transport files to other systems | ||
Copy files or file systems between disks | ||
Copy files to diskette |
The table below describe various backup and restore commands.
Table 46-2 Summary of Various Backup Commands
Command Name |
Aware of File System Boundaries? |
Support Multi-Volume Backups? |
Physical or Logical Copy? |
---|---|---|---|
volcopy |
Yes |
Yes |
Physical |
tar |
No |
No |
Logical |
cpio |
No |
Yes |
Logical |
pax |
Yes |
Yes |
Logical |
dd |
Yes |
No |
Physical |
ufsdump/ufsrestore |
Yes |
Yes |
Logical |
The following sections describe the advantages and disadvantages of each method and provide examples of how to use the commands.