> > I'm using Amanda to archive all of the computers on our network, including
> > the WinXP workstations and WinXP laptops.  However, since Amanda runs during
> > the evening (to minimize network bandwith impact, etc., etc.) it is often
> > unable to find the laptop computers at that time simply because they've been
> > taken home by their owners.
> >
> > What is the best way to deal with a situation like this?
> 
> Brian,
> 
> The way we deal with Windows machines in general here at the CSB is to
> utilize a Samba server with roaming profiles configured.  Each Windows
> machine is a member of our Samba domain and each Windows user has a unix
> user account.  His roaming profile is stored in a ~/windows directory.
> This means that our unix home directory backups also grab the user's
> windows profile, including the Documents and Settings folder in XP which
> contains My Documents, etc.  We treat the operating system and
> applications installed on any given Windows workstation or laptop as
> disposable.  So long as we can backup the data we can return the machine
> to full functionality after a disk crash.

We're using roaming profiles here, too, but with a difference.  The profile
contains only their core profile with none of their user files.  This
allows them to log in to any machine on the network.  Upon login, a
script will go to their "home machine" and mount its hard drive across
the network so they can access their files.  This works similar to
our unix network which keeps user home directories on the local machines
for speed but still allows remote login anywhere (though with the obvious
speed penalties of accessing a network disk).

I agree that the OS is disposable, but I just don't have the disk space
on the server to handle the files of all of our users.


For ideas, I was thinking:

 - A separate Amanda profile that would seek out laptops during business
   hours, but I can't see any easy way to manage that.  Plus, it would
   require two tape sets.

 - Grabbing laptop backups to the holding disk and then flushing it
   periodically, but I'm not sure how to tell Amanda to get only certain
   machines.  I suppose I could temporarily change the disklist file.

 - Using another program to copy laptop files to a local hard drive and
   then letting Amanda handle it normally (this is how our Win98 machines
   are backed up now) but I'd rather use Amanda exclusively if possible.

                                          Brian
                                 ( bcwhite AT precidia DOT com )

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        Obstacles are what you see when you take your eyes off the goal.