--- In firebird-support@yahoogroups.com, "ione1608" <aiwa1608@...> wrote:

>
> What backup strategy is more preferrable?
> Bring down the server at night and the copy the FDB file. When a
> restore is needed put the FDB file back on the right location and
> startup the server.
>
> OR
>
> use gbak command.
>
> I want to have a solution in which my client can do the backups
> himself so I don't have to do that. Is there a way to automate this,
> so that a backup is made when the client starts a little program?
>

File Copy:

+'s

Very Fast
Little CPU resource cost

-'s

Corruption guaranteed if you do not shutdown the service
Shutting down database cuts all active connections in a nasty way
While service is shutdown, you can't access the database

Gbak / Service Manager Backup

+'s

Much smaller file which can then be further compressed
Garbage collection happens to the database you are backing up (unless
you ask it not to)
Can still access database while backup is running
No interference with other connections (except they may be a bit
slower if the server is not up to the task).

-'s

Can be CPU intensive while running
Slower than file copy

You can run gbak from the windows scheduler or CRON (or a batch file).
The Services API allows your application to request firebird to
perform a backup.

Adam