good day dear Friends hello,


well i have a very practical topic ? backing up my data efficiently using rsync to a USB stick - but afik it seems o be both simple and tricky, depending on the specifics.


i need a clean, reliable solution


my Goal: .... can be described like so:

  • Back up a directory tree from /home to a USB stick (e.g. /media/usb-id)
  • Keep the same directory structure
  • Only copy files that are new or changed
  • Preserve timestamps (and maybe ownership/permissions if important)
  • Avoid unnecessary re-copying




hmm - whats here the simplest, safest and smartest way


would you recommend me to start with a lets say 'dry run' like so:


Code:
sudo rsync -Havn source/ target
.... and if this goes all right and the results will look good, i could remove the option n and do it practically ...,like so:

Code:
sudo rsync -Hav source/ target

what do you recommend.


Any and all hints are greatly appreciated


have a great great day - dear friends.