Synchronize and store Koha backup in Dropbox

Dropbox is an online storage service and it offers 2 GB free storage space. "Dropbox allows users to create a special folder on their computers, which Dropbox then synchronizes so that it appears to be the same folder (with the same contents) regardless of which device is used to view it. Files placed in this folder are also accessible via the Dropbox website and mobile apps". It is very convenient to store Koha database backup in Dropbox cloud storage. No need to copy the Koha database in pen drive every day.

Install Dropbox client

Create Dropbox account.
Ubuntu users can install the package using the command;

sudo apt-get install nautilus-dropbox

After the installation of the package, open the client from
Applications > Internet > Dropbox

Let it finish the installation.

Sign in the Dropbox account after finishing the installation.

Dropbox will create a folder "Dropbox" in Linux user home. Where we have to point Koha backup destination. Files deposited in Dropbox folder also save in cloud storage.

Automatic Koha backup

Here we are going to schedule Koha backup in every 60 minutes the help of cronjob. 

Open Applications > Accessories > Terminal

 Apply the following command,

crontab -e

It will ask to select a text editor. You can select the Nano text editor.

Use down arrow button and move the cursor to the bottom part of the cron file. Copy following command there.

*/60 * * * * mysqldump -ukoha_library -pkoha123 koha_library | xz > /home/koha/Dropbox/koha_library.sql.xz

Backup on a specific time
If the library close at 5 PM. You can schedule backup on 4:45 PM.

45 16 * * * mysqldump -ukoha_library -pkoha123 koha_library | xz > /home/koha/Dropbox/koha_library.sql.xz

Change the MySQL/MariaDB password and the destination folder location.

Apply  Ctrl + o button to save the file.

Then apply Ctrl + x to leave the cron.

You can find the backup file in /home/koha/Dropbox folder after 60 minutes.

After 60 minutes login to dropbox.com to check backup moved to online storage.

Explanations of key parts in the command,

*/60 = Every 60 minute take a backup.User can change the frequency.

-ukoha_library = Koha database user name

-pkoha123 = password of Koha database user.

koha_library = Koha database name

Reference
https://help.ubuntu.com/community/CronHowto#Crontab_Example