Stress-free backups: Why Veeam Agent for Linux Free could be your solution

In the world of Linux systems, data backup is often a complex topic. But with the Veeam Agent for Linux Free There is a simple solution!

This makes backup as easy and efficient as possible, at no cost. Whether physical server, cloud instance or workstation, this tool promises a solid data backup without any ballast. Sounds almost too good to be true? Let's look at the details together.

What can the Veeam Agent do?

The Agent Created Image-based backups directly from the current system. You have full control over the backup type:

• Complete system backup: Create a complete image of the system that automatically excludes unnecessary directories.
• Volume level backup: Specifically back up individual partitions or drives at the block level.
• File level backup: Only back up selected files or folders that are important to you.

A special highlight is the integrated, open source Kernel module. It allows for real Changed Block Tracking (CBT). This means that incremental backups only back up the data that has actually changed since the last backup. This saves a lot of time and storage space.

Restoration in every situation

I'm sure you'll come out to your ears, but I'll say it anyway:
A good backup is only as good as its recovery.
Here, too, Veeam scores:

• Bare metal recovery: Restore the entire system to identical or dissimilar hardware.
• Volume and file level restore: Recover single partitions or even a single file regardless of how you created the backup.
• Bootable recovery media: Create an emergency medium to restore the system in case of an emergency, even if it stops booting.

Additional features

The Veeam Agent for Linux Free also offers some advanced features that you won't find in every free solution:

• Source-side encryption: Protect your backups by encrypting the data before it is transferred.
• Snapshotless backup mode: Also back up important files to systems that don't support kernel snapshots.
• Console UI and Command Line: You can choose between an intuitive graphical user interface and the powerful command line (veeamconfig).
• Veeam Backup & Replication Integration: If you already use a Veeam environment, the agent can be seamlessly integrated to centrally manage backups.

The Veeam Agent for Linux Free is as RPM or DEB package Available and supports common Linux distributions with a kernel from version 2.6.32. This makes it a flexible and powerful solution that proves that data backup doesn't have to be complicated and expensive.

Okay, convinced? It's being tried!

Initial establishment: How to create your first backup job

The establishment of: Veeam Agent for Linux Free is surprisingly user-friendly, even for a console-based application. The steps are logical and guide you safely through the process.

1. Starting the Veeam GUI

After installation, the tool simply starts with the command Veeam. The user interface is self-explanatory and is displayed directly in the terminal. Navigate (not quite intuitively) using the key commands:

• “C”: Creates a new backup job.
• “R”: Starts the recovery.
• “ESC”: Cancels or leaves the GUI.
• “Enter”: Confirms a selection.

2. Assign backup job name

Give your backup job a meaningful name, such as: ‘Webserver-daily’, in order to be able to easily identify him later.

3. Select backup mode

Selects the desired backup mode:

• Entire machine: Secures the entire system.
• Volume level backup: Saves selected partitions or volumes.
• File level backup: Only backs up certain files and folders.

4. Define destination

Decide where to save your backups. Veeam offers several options:

• Local: Stores the backup in a local directory, ideal for external hard drives.
• Shared folder: Saves the backup to a network share (CIFS/SMB or NFS).
• VBR: Integration into a commercial Veeam Backup & Replicationenvironment.

5. Set location and details

Depending on the chosen destination, the specific details, such as the path or the network address, are given. In the case of a CIFS/SMB release, the user name, password and domain must also be stored. Make sure that the target directory already exists.

6. Defining the schedule

Determines when the backup job should run on a daily basis. It is best to choose a time when the system is underutilized to avoid performance bottlenecks. Advanced users can also manually perform backups using the command line tool veeamconfig start.

7. Summary and Start

Checks all settings in the final overview. If everything is correct, complete the setup with ‘Finish’. By default, the job starts immediately after configuration to create the first backup.

Conclusion:

Nice & easy, right?
Go for more? We can also look at Timeshift, Clonezilla or Vorta as a GUI for BorgBackup in detail soon.