Hi,

> we are using FB 1.0, 1.5, 2.0 versions on Linux and Windows.
> All FB clients are connected as SYSDBA.
>
> Is it possible to use the gfix utility to shut down the database and
> make a copy of it (on the OS file level) for the backup? Till now we
> are stopping the service for the daily backup/restore process but we
> are thinking about rewriting our maintenance script.

Use gbak to create a backup while your Firebird database is in use.

> I know in the FB2.0 it is possible to use gfix with the "-FULL"
> parameter to make the "Exclusive shutdown". But what about FB < 2.0?

If you don't want to shutdown the server with FB < 2.0, then gbak is the
only way.

In Firebird 2.x, you can use nbackup to bring the database into a state
where it can be copied at file system level safely, even while there are
other users connected.

Check out the nbackup guide here:
http://www.firebirdsql.org/manual/nbackup.html


--
Best Regards,
Thomas Steinmaurer
LogManager Series - Logging/Auditing Suites supporting
InterBase, Firebird, Advantage Database, MS SQL Server and
NexusDB V2
Upscene Productions
http://www.upscene.com