Question

Is it possible to use Apache Subversion (SVN) as general purpose backup tool? (As a kind of rsync alternative.)

Answer 1

I found this article to be a pretty cool description of using svn to backup your home directory, and more:

I use Subversion to backup my Linux boxes. With some minor creativity, it easily covers:

• Daily snapshots and offsite backup.
• Easy addition and removal of files and folders.
• Detailed tracking of file versions.

It also allows for a few bonus features:

• Regular log emails to keep track of filesystem activity via Subversion’s event hooks.
• Users may request a checkout of their home folders from any respository revision.
• New or replacement servers can be setup with a few svn checkout commands.

Source: http://www.mythago.net/svn_for_backup.html

Also found this article which shows an example of versioning your home directory. This allows you to bring your environment with you by checking out your home directory into a new machine. I used to do something similar and found it very useful.