What would you consider a sensible backup schedule?

[nokonium]

The golden rule is 'make a backup' but what should you backup and how often?

Can you automate this function?

What tools are available to help?

[nokonium]

I do make err  irregular backups of the database, using [UNKNOWN]'s super utility Create_backup.php and the the complete file set, to backup all new attachments and avatars along with any tweaks to files.

I also keep a copy of the current full install, so that I have 'virgin' file backups.

[Tristan Perry]

I run a cron job every 4 hours (Too much, I don't know why it's this frequent) and then I also run [Unknown]'s backup tool and use that as my main database backup. I also download the whole /forums/ directory fornightly.

[Ben_S]

Depends on the si ze of your forum really, I use cPanels / WHM's default backup feature and rsync (incremental copy program on *nix systems) the backups nightly.

Of course, doing it nightly means I have the potential to loose 3000 or so posts, but backing up a 1.5GB database isn't exactly light on resources so needs to be done at off peak times only.

[kriskd]

I use automysqlbackup to back up my db at 3:00AM local time every day.  Works well!  I haven't figured out what I want to do with my files.  Sort of have to figure out if they change a whole lot or not.  I pretty much have a copy of my files on my home PC right now since I change stuff locally and upload it.

[sawz]

where would i find [unknown]s backup utility?

[Trekkie101]

I backup when I feel some activity has warranted it, but then i suppose being a small site has only this luxury.

[mastersmurfie]

where would i find [unknown]s backup utility?

Here:  http://www.simplemachines.org/community/index.php?topic=18350.0