Bacula is comprised of computer programs that allow the system administrator to easily manage backup, recovery/restoration, and verification of computer data across different kinds of computer networks. It is capable of running entirely upon one computer to backup different media types, including disk and tape.
Hence, Bacula is a network program that is Client/Server based backup that is efficient and easy to use. It offers many advanced storage management features that make finding and recovering damaged or lost files quickly. Bacula version 7.4.7 provides more efficiency to the process.
Bacula 7.4.7 was released in 2017 to their official website and Source Forge. The version is a minor bugfix release that works to correct the segfault on OpenBSD prompted by the new ACL/XATTR code. This version also fixed most Solaris 10 build problems and PROTO on OpenBSD.
Though a minor new feature, it allows you to specify the query item number on your bconsole query command line. Anyone running Bacula 7.4.0 or greater do not need to upgrade to this version unless you come across a problem that requires this bug fix.
You also don't need to update your database if you have any version 7.4.x. However, all Storage Daemons need to be updated to the same version as the Director and preferably version 7.4.7. You can always download Windows File Daemon for personal use. Some of the features of this new version include:
- Recompile configure.in
- Fix compilation without SMARTALLOC
- Fix bug #2237
- Fix bug #2085 About director segfault
- Fix system installation
- Fix small memory leak using restart command
- Reset terminal at console exit using readline
- Fix spurious MD5 update errors
- Update language files
- Appease older compilers by adding explicit LL to big integers
- Allow plugin directory for FileDaemon
- Fix error message about stream 26 in extract
- Handle NULL pointers in asciidump() and smartdump()
- Allow multiple operatorcommand+mailcommand in Messages to fix #2222
- Display ‘show job’ output PrefixLinks
- Allow zero JobMedias to be written for labeling
Since Bacula version 7.4.7 has fixed/closed 1968, 2060, 2222, 2085, 335, and 2237 bugs since it was released. This version is best suited for anyone using programs like dump, tar, or bru to backup computer data. It is a network solution that offers more flexibility and catalog services.
This version gives you additional features that only make the protection of your data more efficiently. However, if you don't have offsetting experience with sophisticated backup packages or are new to Unix systems, using Bacula might be more difficult for you, especially with setup and use compared to dump or tar.
If you want Bacula 7.4.7 to behave like these simple programs or to be able to write over any disc or tape that you put into your drive, then it will be hard to work with this version. The program is designed to protect your data based on the rules specified by the Client. This means that reusing a tap would have to be your last resort.
This program is efficient because it can write to many volumes because is not limited by the tape drive capacity. However, while Bacula 7.4.7 is a backup, recovery/restore, and verification program, it is should not be considers as a complete disaster restoration/recovery system.
It can be crucial to plan carefully to follow instructions in the Disaster RecoveryRescueChapter Chapter on the program manual. With proper planning, you can make this version a central component for your system's disaster recovery system.
Being a free Windows backup software, Bacula 7.4.7 allows you to restore individual files from complete backups. You can quickly get the program up and running on your Windows by installing the 7.4.7 file first. It is a standard .exe file containing an install wizard.
Suppose you are not installing it for the first time. In that case, you should uninstall the previous version of Bacula and completely clean the installation directory before you begin the installation process of this version. This will allow you to keep the configuration files.
Make sure that you have Administrator privileges before installation to avoid possible permission issues. Once you do, you can begin the installation process by clicking on the version’s executive file.
In Conclusion
Windows prides its service by giving users a version of the most basic backup, restoration, and verification tool for their versions. Hence, depending on which Windows version you are using, you might already have these tools in your system. Bacula 7.4.7 works with these native backup tools to further protect your computer data while giving you mobility and versatility.
