Using rsync to backup local folders to DreamHost’s backup accounts

One awesome thing about DreamHost is that they provide all hosting customers with 50GB of free online backup space. It can be accessed using ftp, sftp, and rsync.

I am trying to use it to make a backup of my USB key. I am always moving between computers, so documents that I am actively working on tend to follow me on the key. Having a backup would be useful in case it got lost or damaged.

I am trying to figure out what the correct terminal command would be to synchronize a folder from Mac OS X to DreamHost using rsync. I think it should be something like:

rsync -aP --protocol=29 /Volumes/USBKEYNAME/* BACKUPUSERACCOUNT@BACKUPUSERSERVER.dreamhost.com::keybackup

Is that right? If any rsync gurus are out there, I would really appreciate their input on what options and syntax to use.

Author: Milan

In the spring of 2005, I graduated from the University of British Columbia with a degree in International Relations and a general focus in the area of environmental politics. In the fall of 2005, I began reading for an M.Phil in IR at Wadham College, Oxford. Outside school, I am very interested in photography, writing, and the outdoors. I am writing this blog to keep in touch with friends and family around the world, provide a more personal view of graduate student life in Oxford, and pass on some lessons I've learned here. View all posts by Milan