My favorite free backup utility is by far rsync. You can quickly and reliably synchronize two directories. The utility has very little over head and perfect for backup scripts. I want to start by writing a little tidbit about how to install the daemon mac os client.

Mac RSYNC Daemon Installation

The rsync daemon requires two files rsync.conf and rsync.secerts. These files can be store anywhere but do have special permission requirements.

Examples rsync.conf File

uid = root

gid = admin

max connections = 4

pid file = /var/run/rsyncd.pid

[BACKUP]

path = /Volumes/Backup

comment = XXPATH

auth users = tridge, susan

secrets file = /etc/rsyncd.secrets

The file above contains the basic rsync information and one module. Think of modules as volumes or mount points. The modules name is BACKUP and the path is /Volumes/Backups. These can be adjusted to your own specifications.  The last line references the secrets file. This file will contain your password must not be readable by anyone besides the owner. (root or the user launching the rsync daemon)

Example rsync.secerts file

john:rsyncpass 
steve:stevepass

By Apples default theses file should be stored in /etc/bin/

Once you have created those files you can give the daemon command.

rsync –daemon (suggest running it as root)

You will now see a serivce called rsync and notice with a port scan port 873 is open.

You have successfully configured the daemon!