casper-snapshot
Create live system snapshots
SYNOPSIS
casper-snapshot [options]
PARAMETERS
--compression
Specifies the compression type to use for the snapshot. Common options include 'gzip', 'lz4' and 'xz'.
--iso-version
Specifies the ISO version (e.g., 9660, UDF).
--help
Displays help information.
DESCRIPTION
The casper-snapshot command is a tool used to create a bootable snapshot of a running Linux system. This snapshot includes the operating system, installed applications, and user data. The created snapshot can then be used to restore the system to its previous state, offering a quick and efficient method for system recovery or testing purposes. The tool leverages the functionality of Casper, a suite of scripts used in Ubuntu and Debian live systems. It essentially copies the root filesystem to a compressed archive. This archive is later used to create a bootable ISO image, allowing users to boot into the saved state.
The resulting ISO can be used for backup or for setting up multiple computers to an initial state and for recovery.
CAVEATS
The snapshot process can be time-consuming, especially for large systems. It's essential to have sufficient free disk space available for both the snapshot creation and the resulting ISO image. The resulting snapshot might include sensitive data. Encryption options may be limited or not available by default. It may not work properly on non Debian/Ubuntu systems, or systems which have been heavily customized.
USAGE EXAMPLES
Example 1: Creates a snapshot with default settings:
`casper-snapshot my_system.iso`
Example 2: Creates a snapshot with lz4 compression:
`casper-snapshot --compression lz4 my_system.iso`
HISTORY
Casper-snapshot is closely tied to the Casper scripts used in Ubuntu and Debian live systems. It emerged as a user-friendly method to leverage the Casper functionality for creating bootable backups. The precise origins and initial development are not widely documented as a standalone tool, but its roots are firmly planted in the needs of system administrators and advanced users to quickly create and deploy system images.
