## Backup and restore a specified set of files and directories to local disk or tape ##

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### Concept ###

Admins should have experience using common Unix command line backup
utilities. In addition, be able to recognize the
device names for tape devices on BSD systems.


### Introduction ###

The common command-line backup utilities are tar, cpio, pax, cp, dd, and dump/restore.
(Details on using the dd, dump, and restore utilities are covered in the following section [[Backup_and_restore_a_file_system]].)

TODO: explain differences and similarities between tools.

TODO: basic usage of tar with examples

TODO: basic usage of cpio with examples

TODO: basic usage of pax with examples

TODO: basic usage of using cp for backups with examples

Also the cpdup program is included with DragonFly and is available via NetBSD pkgsrc and FreeBSD ports packages collections (TODO: not in openbsd -- anyone want to package it?)

TODO: if there is room, quickly list other third-party backup tools (but not examples or usage details)?

Common device names for tape drivers include: st, the SCSI and ATAPI tape driver; sa, the SCSI Sequential Access device driver.

Note it is recommended that the raw interface (not block) is used, such as /dev/rst0.
(TODO: maybe the recommendation is not applicable for FreeBSD or other??)
(TODO: mention no-rewind like nrst0 or nsa0? , eject on close like erst0 or esa0??)

### Examples ###


### Practice Exercises ###


### More information ###

tar(1), cpio(1), pax(1), cp(1), cpdup(1)
